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Keim's Illustrated Hand-Book. 



Washington and its Environs: 



DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL HAND-BOOK 



CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



BY DEB.mANDOLPH KEIiM, 
Washington Correspondent^ 

AUTHOR OF "sH£R1DAn's TROOPERS ON THE BORDERS," AND "SKETCHES 
OF SAN DOMINGO." 



REVISED ANNUALLY. 

SEVENTH EDITION —Corrected to January, 1875. 



WASHINGTON CITY: / . J, i tM^-: 



FORTHECOMP 

1575. 



--■■"'^'^ 



r, 



iqa 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in ttie year 1875, 

BY DeB. RANDOLPH KEIfll, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



NOTICE.— Tlie compiler cautions all persons against infringement 
of copyright of any of his publications, whether in maps, diagrams, 
illustrations, where" originals, or in the material, or arrangement. Any 
such infringement will be rigorously prosecuted under the copyright law. 



B F. OWKN, 

PRINTER, 
KKAUING, PA. 



CONTENTS. 

[See Alphabetical Index at the end of the Hand-book.] 



Page. 

Preface v 

General Information vii 

Hotels, vii— Lodgings, vii— Boarding, viii— Restaurants, viii— 
Railroads, viii — Steamers, ix— Street Cars, ix — Vehicles for 
hire, xii— City Post Office, xii— Mails, xii— Rates of Postage, 
xiii— Telegraph Offices, xiii— Churches, xiii— Theatres, xiv — 
General Amusements, xiv— Etiquette, Ceremonies, and For- 
malities, xiv — Distances from Washington, xix — Foreign Dis- 
tances, xix— Differences of Time, xx. 

Section I. 
Washington and the District of Columbia 1 

Washington, 1 — District of Columbia, 5. 

Section II. 
Description of the City 15 

Avenues, Squares, Statues, &c. 

Section III. 
Public Buildings and Grounds 55 

Historical Retrospect, 55— Capitol, 56 — History of Congress, 
118— President's House, 121— Department of State, 128— Treas- 
ury Department, 131— War Department, 136— Navy Depart- 
ment, 140— Department of the Interior, 142— Patent Office, 
145— General Post Office, 151— Department of Justice, 154 — 
Department of Agriculture, 156— Naval Observatory, 163— 
Army Medical Musuem, 166 — Government Printing Office, 
168— Winder's Building, 170— City Hall, 171— Arsenal, 172— 
Navy- Yard, 174— Marine Barracks, 17G— Magazines, 177. 

Section IV. 
v^ACES op General Interest 178 

Smithsonian Institution, 178— Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189 — 
Washington National Monument, 192-Armory, 196-Churches, 
197— Halls, 198— Newspaper Offices, 199— Public Schools, 201— 
A.sylams, 202— Cemeteries, 205— District Government, 207— 
iJarkets, 209— Places of Historical Interest, 210. 
(iii) 



iv CONTENTS. 

Section V. 
The Environs of Washington 211 

S E c T I o N V I . 
HiSTOiiY OF Washington •••• 234 



Index 



244 



ABBKEVI ATIONS . 

N., S., E., W., north, northern, northward, south, &c., 
past'&c' west., &c.; ra., mile; sq. m., square mile; lbs., 
pounds; r., right; 1., left; hr., horn-; min., minute; yr., 
year; a., acres; av., avenue; st., street; yds., yardiJ. 



PEEFACE, 



The necessity of a reliable and complete Descriptive 

AND HiSTORICAIj HAND-BOOK TO THE CAPITAL OF THE 

United States has long been felt. Warden's Geographical 
and Statistical Description of the District of Columbia, pub- 
lished in Paris in 1816, and the several editions of the Guides 
compiled by William Elliott, 1826 and 1830, and George Wat- 
terson, 1848, are really the only ones which possess the merit 
of original research. The productions of a similar character 
published since 1848, and especially the later ones, have been 
crude and imperfect, impositions in character and price, and 
noticeable only as containing the smallest amount of informa- 
tion for the largest amount of money. 

The compiler of the present work hopes to avoid these 
objections at least, and to give to the public a Hand-book 
of attractive and useful descriptive information about all 
places of interest in and around Washington, and at the 
same time to supply some appropriate historical data which 
may be valuable to carry away as a souvenir of a visit to the 
Seat of Government. 

In the preparation of the historical portions of the HAND- 
BOOK TO Washington and its Environs, original author- 
ities only have been examined, including the manuscript rec- 
ords, correspondence, and proceedings of the Commissioners 
charged with the superintendence of the building of the city, 
1791-1800 ; the correspondence of George Washington, Thom- 
as Jefferson, and others on the same subject ; the Statutes at 
Large ; official documents, from the establishment of the per- 
manent Seat of Government down to the present time; besides 
the writings of travelers and public men and files of news- 
papers. 

Kespecting the descriptive features, all points of interest 
in the city and surroundings, still in existence, have been 
personally visited and inspected. 

It is hoped, therefore, tliat the HAND-BOOK will prove not 
only an invaluable companion on the spot, but an ever-wel- 
come and entertaining friend for future perusal and refer- 
ence at the home fireside. 

The compiler is under obligations to many of the officers 

(V) 



VI PREFACE. 

of the Government; and while desiring to recognize their 
kindness, finds it difficult to make distinctions hy individuals : 
he therefore thanks them all. 

The general information has been compiled with special 
reference to the necessities of the stranger in the city, and, 
in connection with other useful matter, will be found to con- 
tain trustworthy intelligence respecting railways, hotels, 
churches, theatres, &c. The code of Etiquette in Washing- 
ton and Street-car Directory will be found particularly con- 
venient and valuable. 

The remaining features of the Hand-book will appear as 
the reader familiarizes himself with its contents. 

In a city like the capital of such a constantly expanding 
Republic as the United States of America there are never- 
ending changes. To keep pace with tliese, it is the intention 
to annually revise and augment the Hand-book to Wash- 
ington AND ITS Environs, so as to keep it at all times cor- 
rected to the latest period. 

The compiler does not presume that the HAND-BOOK is 
faultless ; but to approximate such a degree of completeness, 
as far as practicable, will constantly be his endeavor. He 
will therefore be grateful for any errors or omissions pomted 
out or corrections suggested. These may be communicated 
by letter. 
^ DeB. R. E. 

Washington, D. C, 1874. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 




I HOSE who are influenced by a desire to visit the 
National Capital, when most attractive in point 
of beauty of nature and art, and without reference 
to the fashionable and congressional season, should 
arrive in May or June, or October or November. 
Tlie hottest months are July and August. The 
winters, on the other hand, are generally mild and beautiful. 
The health of the city at all seasons is unexceptionable. For 
ofiicial and social seasons see Etiquette. 

Hotels, — The National Capital has a number of hotels, 
some of which will compare favorably with the best in the 
country. They are all located upon or conveniently acces- 
sible to the different lines of street cars connecting the Ex- 
ecutive Departments with the Capitol and western and east- 
ern portions of the city. The following are the principal 
hotels and charges per day: The Arlington^ Vermont av., 
near H st. N., $5; Ehhitt, F st., corner of 14th st. W., $4 00; 
Willards\ Pennsylvania av., corner of 14tli st. W., $4 50; 
Metropolitmi., Pennsylvania av., between Gth and 7th sts. W., 
$4; Imperial, E st. N., between 13th and 14th sts. W., $4; 
and National, Pennsylvania av., corner of Gth st. W., $4. 
The hotels on the European plan are the St. James, Penn- 
sylvania av., corner of Gth st. W., single rooms, one person, 
$1 to $2 ; double rooms, two persons, $2 to 6G ; the latter in- 
cludes parlor and bed-room; restaurant attached; and St. 
Marc, Pennsylvania av., near 7th st. \V., single rooms $1 to 
$2, double $2 to $3; restaurant attached. There are also 
other hotels on the American and European plans suited to 
all classes of persons, and at lower rates. 

Lodgings. — Persons desiring to pass some time in Wash- 
ington, and desirous of living retired, can find excellent lodg- 
ings in the vicinity of all the hotels, and in different parts of 
the city. The large transient population of the city has cre- 
ated an unusual demand for this style of accommodations, 
and every grade, from elegant suites down to unpretending 
single apartments, may be found. The rates for rooms 
(vU) 



Till GENERAL INFORMATION. 

M'ould range from $25 for single rooms to $100 and upwards 
a month for suites. Persons remaining less tiian a month 
can also be supplied with quarters. 

Boarding, — ^Many houses in which lodgings can be secured 
also provide daily board, ranging from $25 to $35 a month for 
each person. The hotels also accommodate outside boarders 
at $45 a month for each person. 

Eestaurants. — A number of excellent restaurants can be 
found in all the business portions of the city. Frequently 
persons find it more convenient to have lodgings and take 
their meals nearest where they may happen to be at the 
hour of dining. The charges at restaurants are about the 
same as at hotels or boarding-houses, according to grade. 
There are several excellent restaurants equal in appoint- 
ments to any in the large cities of the N'orth. Cuisine 
excellent. 

Eailroads. — {See Table of Distances.) — Persons departing 
from Washington have a choice of several routes. 

ifORTH, East, and West.— Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad— Depot NE. corner of New Jersey av. and C st. 
]SrW., may be reached by the blue cars on Pennsylvania av. 
and the F-st. cai*s. Ticket Qiffices^ 485 Pennsylvania av. and 
the Depot. 

North, East, and West.— Baltimore and Potomac 
Railroad- Depot SW. corner of B and 6th sts. NW., may 
be reached by street cars on 9tli St., and within one square 
on Pennsylvania av. Ticket Offices^ 13tli and 6th sts. and 
Pennsylvania av. and Depot. 

South and Southwest.— Southern trains leave from 
the Baltimore and Potomac Depot. Travellers may also 
leave Wasliington by the POTOMAC Ferry Company, at 
the foot of 7th st. W., and take trains at the corner of King 
and Union sts., Alexandria, for Richmond and New Orleans. 
Transfer coaches convey passengers from the Baltimore and 
Ohio Depot to the Baltimore and Potomac Depot and Poto- 
mac Ferry. 

Alexandria. — ^Local trains on the Alexandria and Wash- 
ington Railroad leave from the Baltimore and Potomac 
Depot about every hour during the day. 

Sleeping Cars are attached to all through night trains. 
Tickets may be procured at railroad ticket offices. 

Baggage will be called for and checked to all the princi- 
pal cities of the United States, by leaving orders at the rail- 
road ticket offices. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. IX 

Steamers.— Alexandria — The Washington and Al- 
exandria Ferry steamers ply hourly each way between 
Wasbnigton and Alexandria during the day. Wharf foot of 
7th St., Washington, and King st., Alexandria. Fare, single 
trip 15 cents, round trip 25 cents. 

Mount Vernon. — The steamer for Mount Vernon leaves 
the 7th-st. wharf daily, except Sunday, at 10 A. M. Return- 
mg, arrives at Washington at 4 p.m. Fare, $1.50, and ad- 
mission to mansion and grounds. 

QuANTico. — ^Potomac Steamboat Company— Steam- 
ers leave daily, at 7 A. M., from the 7th-st. wharf, for Quan^ 
tico, connecting with trains for Richmond and the South, 

Potomac Landings.— The Palisades^ on Mondays and 
Thursdays, 7 A. M., and Pilot Boy^ on Tuesdays and Fridays, 
7 A. M., during navigation, from 7th-st. wharf. 

Baltimore and Intermediate Landings. — Three 
steamers a week, during the season of navigation, leaving^ 
Mondays, 7 P. M., Tuesdays, 9 P. M., and Fridays, 12 mid- 
night, from the 7th-st. wharf. 

T^EW York. — The Washington and New York steam- 
ers leave Fridays, from the foot of High st., Georgetown. 

Philadelphia. — Steamers leave Georgetown (Water st.) 
on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10 A. M., via canal, till navi- 
gation closes. 

Boston and Norfolk.— Steamers of the Washington, 
Norfolk, and Boston Line leave the 7th-st. wharf Mon- 
days and Thursdays, at 2 P. M., touching at all principal 
landings, and connecting with the Richrnond and Boston 
steamers. This line usually suspends during the winter 
montlis. 

The wharves of all the Washington lines may be reached 
by the 7th-st. horse-cars. 

Street Oars. — All parts of Washington may be reached by 
street-cars. 

Washington and Georgetown Street Railway, incor- 
porated 1S62, cars every 3, 4, and 5 min. during the daj^ start 
on Bridge st., at High, Georgetown, cross Rock Creek over 
a fine iron bridge, follow Pennsjdvania av., passing Mills' 
Statue of Washington, Corcoran Art Gallery, Lafayette 
Square, War Department, President's House, and Treasnrj'^. 
At the intersection of 15th st. W. thej'' connect with the cars 
on the 14^/i Street and Oolumhia Railways. Exchange tick- 
ets given for the former. At the S. end of the Treasury 
they again enter Pennsylvania av., Mhich they follow the 
entire length of the business quarter of the city, passing the 
Centre Market and Botanical Garden. At 9tli st. W. they 



X GENERAL INFORMATION. 

intercept the Metropolitan line jS". and S. ; and at 7th st. W. 
connect with the cars of the 7th st. branch IST. and S. On 
the latter exchange tickets are given. At the W. gate of the 
Capitol grounds one branch turns to the 1. for the Baltiinore 
and Ohio Railroad Depot every 10 min. during the day, and 
the other to the r. for the Capitol or Navy Yard, every 5 min . 
during the &aj. At the top of the hill a branch carries pas- 
sengers to the E. front of the House, or S. extension of the 
Capitol. The main line contiiuies along B st. S. to Pennsyl- 
vania av., and thence to 8th st. E., thence passing the Marine 
Barracks to the ISTavy Yard. 

Fourteenth-Street Branch, cars every 10 min. dur- 
hig the day, start on New York av. at 15th st. W., ISTE. of 
the Treasury Department, thence to 14th st., thence JN". to 
boundary, passing the Fourteenth-Street Circle and State 
Department. Exchange tickets are given on the Pennsyl- 
vania av. line. 

Seventh-Street Branch, cars every 4 and 5 min. dur- 
ing the day, start at the boundaiy, follow the same street 
^across the city to the Potomac river, passing the K. Market, 
Mount Vernon Place, Patent and Post Offices, and Odd- 
Fellows' Hall. At Massachusetts av. they intersect the Co- 
lumbia Eaihvay, and at F st. IS", the Metropolitan line. On 
Pennsylvania av. they connect with the main line. Ex- 
change tickets given E. or W. The cars now pass the Cen- 
tre Market, cross the Mall, with the Smithsonion grounds on 
r., continuing to the wharves for the Alexandria, Mount 
Vernon, and other steamers. 

Metropolitan Railway, incorporated 1864, cars every 
4 min. during tlie day, start on 17th st., W. of the Kavy 
and iSTew State Departments, follow 17th st. W., passing the 
State, War, and ISTavy Departments, and Corcoran Art Gal- 
lery to H St. ; here the Georgetown branch leaves ; thence 
passing Lafayette Square to i4th st. ; thence to F st., inter- 
secting the 14th St. and Columbia Railways at New York 
av. ; connecting with the cars on the 9th st. branch N. and 
S., on which exchange tickets are given, passing the Patent 
and Post Offices, and intersecting the 7th st. line ; thence to 
oth St. ; thence to Louisiana av., passing Judiciary Square ; 
thence to Indiana av., passing the City Hall; thence to C 
St., passing the Baltimore and Ohio depot to Delaware av. ; 
thence to B st. N., where the E. Capitol branch leaves; 
thence to the Senate extension. 

Georgetown and East Capitol Street Branch, cars 
every G min. during the day. Same as the main line going 
W. ' Cars leave that at H and 17th sts. NW. ; thence to Coii- 
aiecticut av. ; thence to P st. at the Circle, intersecting the 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XI 

Connecticut av. and Park Railway ; thence along P St., cross- 
ing Kock Creek over a fine bridge, entering West st., George- 
town ; thence to High ; thence to Fayette, wliere it passes the 
Convent of the Visitation ; thence to 2d; tlience to High; 
thence to Dnnbarton ; thence to Montgomery ; thence to 
West, wliere the return track follows the outward, back to 
Washington. The East Co^jYo^ extension continues on B st. 
N. to 1st E.; thence to East Capitol st., and thence to Lin- 
coln Square, the present Cermhuis. It will be extended E. 
on the same street to the Anacostia. 

XiNTH Street Branch, cars every 7 and 8 min. durnig 
the day, start at Boundary; thence, passing Mount Vernon 
Place, the Patent Office and Masonic and Li'iicoin Plalls, toB 
St. At Kew York av. they intoi-sect the Columbia Eailway. 
At F St. exchange tickets are given E. and W. OnB st. the 
cars pass the Centre Market, and intersect the 7tli st. line. 
On 6th St. they pass the Baltimore and Potomac Depot to Mis- 
souri av. ; thence to 4-| st. ; thence to the Arsenal gate. 

Silver Springs Branch, of Metropolitan road starts at 
the X. terminus of the 7th st. line, and follows the 7th st. 
road a distance of IJ m , passing the Scheutzen Park and 
Howard Universit}^, and terminates at present at the road to 
the Soldiers' Home and Rock Creek Church. 

Columbia Railway, incorporated 1870, cars every 10 
min. during the day, start on New York av. at 15th st. W., 
NE. of the^Treasury ; thence to H st. At 14th st. they cross 
the Metropolitan and 14th st. lines ; at 9th st. W. the Metro- 
politan, passing Mount Vernon Place, to Massachusetts av. 
At 7th St. they cross that line ; thence to H st. IST. ; thence to 
the boundarj^, passing the Government Printing Office. At 
the terminus the Baltimore turnpike and Benning's Bridge 
road commence. 

Connecticut Avenue and Park Railway, incorpo- 
rated 1868. The Connecticut av. portion is used by the Me- 
tropolitan line to Georgetown. A car connects at the P st. 
Circle, and runs to boundary. 

Fares. — The rate of fare on the Wasliington and George- 
town line is 5 cents, to include a transfer or exchange ticket 
on the 14th and 7th st. branches iST. and S. The fare on the 
Metropolitan line is 7 cents ?or single tickets, or ten for 50 
cents, or on the 9th-st. branch five'for 25 cents. Transfers 
N. and S. are given on the 9th-st. branch. The fare on the 
Columbia line is 5 cts. 

Further extensions of existing lines, and the construction 
of new ones, are proposed, in some instances the roadway 
having already been laid. 



Xll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

Vehicles for hire.— Rates of fare established by law for 
hack?, cabs, or other vehicle for hire in the District of Co- 
himbia. 

Bet. 5 a. m. and Bet. 12.30 a. m. 
12.30 a. m. and 5 a. m. 

For one or two passengers in a one- f Per h'r, 75 cts. Per hour, $1 12. 
horse vehicle. \Pertrip,75 cts. Per trip, $1 12. 

For one or two passengers, four- ( Per hour, $1 50. Per hour, $2 25. 
seated vehicle drawn by two -< Per trip, ex- Per trip, exceed- 
horses, within the city. ( ceed'glm.,$l. 1 m., 81 50. 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 
One mile or less, one half these rates. 

""seaJed vehi^fe'^'Sawf W Uvo ^^^ ^''^''^' ^O- ^er hour, $2 25. 
seatea venicie, arawn Dy two Per trip, exceed- Per trip, exceed- 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 

One mile or less, one half these rates. 

One-horse vehicle does not hiclude buggies and phaetons. 

In all cases where a vehicle is not engaged by the hour, it 
will be considered as being engaged by the trip. 

Special rates are charged for excursions. 

If there should be an overcharge, drive to the nearest police 
station, where officers in charge will immediately decide the 
case. 

In every case reqjiiire a ticket of the driver before starting. 

City Post Office.— General Post Office Building, entrance 
on F St. General Delivery, 6 a. m. to 11 P. m. Box 
Delivery, 7 a. m. to 8 p. m. Sunday, 8 to 10 a. m. and 6 
to 7 P. M. Letter Carriers' Window on r., open 7 to 
8 P. M. Stamp Office on r. Ladies' Window on the 1. 

The Mails.— Eastern — for New York, Philadelphia, Bos- 
ton, &c., due 6.30 A. M., 6 P. M. ; close 7 A. M. 8 p. m. 

Western— cZwe 6.05, 11.30 a. m., 2, 7 p. m. ; close 6 a. m., 
6.45 p. M. 

South— (^Me 7.20 a. m., 5, 7.25 p. m. ; close 6 a. m., 5.30, 
9.20 p.m. 

Baltimore, Md. — due 6.05 a. m., 2, 6, 9 p. m. ; close 7, 10 
A.M., 12 M., 8 p.m. 

Georgetown— cZwe 11.45 a. m., 4.45, 8, 10 p. m. ; close 8 
A.M., 2, 7 p.m. 

Alexandria— ^ue 7.45 a. m., 7.20 p. m. ; close 6 a. m., 
5.30 p. M. 

Foreign ISIails are forwarded daily to New York and 
San Francisco. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. Xlll 

Eates of Postage.— Domestic— Letters to any part of the 
United States, 3 cents for each | ounce or fraction thereof. 
Letters within any city, 2 cents where free delivery ; other 
offices, 1 cent. Kegistered Letters, 8 cents registration fee, 
in addition to the 'regular postage. At least one full rate 
must be paid on letters to secure their transmission. Printed 
books, packao-e limited to 4 lbs., except books printed by or- 
der of Congress, 2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof. 
Newspapers and magazines 1 cent 2 ounces. All transient 
matter must be prepaid in full by stamps. 

Foreign.— The frequent changes in routes and rates rend- 
ers it advisable to omit a table of "foreign postages. All ne- 
cessary information should be obtained at the Post Office. 

Money-Orders and Registered Letters.— The Mo- 
ney-Order and Registered-Letter Departments are open from 
8 A. M. to 4 P. M. "No business is transacted in either of these 
departments on Sunday. 

Entrance to Money-Order and Registry Departments, from 
F St., door E. of delivery. 

Telegraph Offices.— Automatic— Principal office. Saint 
Marc Hotel, Penn. av. 

Franklin.— Principal office, 609 Penn. av. 

Western Union.— Principal office, Penn. av. and 14th 
st.W. 

Branch Offices will be found in all the principal hotels, 
or near by, and in the Capitol. 

Ohurches.— The following list of places of religious worship 
is merely designed for the use of visitors in the city, and 
therefore embraces only the representative churches of each 
denomination. For convenience of reference, it is arranged 
alphabetically. The usual hour for service is 10.30 to 11 A. 
M. and 7 to 8 P. M., according to the season of the year. 

Baptist.— First, 13th st. W., bet. G and H. E-street, E 
St., bet. Gth and 7th W. Calvary, H and 8th sts. :N'W. Shi- 
loh, (Old Scliool,) Mass. av., bet. 9th and lOtli sts. W. 

Catholic, Roman.— St. Aloysius, I and :N". Capitol st. 
NW. St. Dominic's, 6th and F. sts. SW. St. Matthew's, H 
and 15th st. NW. St. Patrick's, lOth and F sts., (rebuilding.) 
St. Stephen's, Penn. av. and 25th st. NW. 

Christian.— First, Vermont av., above N st. ^W. 

Congregational. — First, 10th and G sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Protestant.— Ascension, Hst., bet. 9th and 
lOth NW. Epiphanv, G St., bet. 13th and 14th NW. Rock 
Creek, near Soldiers' Home. St. John's, 16th and H sts. 



XIV GENERAL INFORMATION. 

NW. St. Panl's, (Ritualistic) 23d St., S. of Circle, N"W. 
Trinity, 3d and C sts. l^W. 

Episcopal, Methodist.— Foundry, G and 14th sts. KW. 
Hamline, cor. 9tli and P sts. l^W. McKendree, Mass. av., 
near 9tli st. NW. Metropolitan, 4J and C sts. NW. Wesley 
Chapel, 5th and F sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Methodist South.— Mount Vernon, 9th 
and K sts. ]^W. 

Friends.— Orthodox, 13th, het. R and S sts. KW. Hick- 
site, I St., bet. 18th and 19th NW. Meetings, 11 o'clock A. M. 

German Reformed.— First, 6th and K sts. KW. Ger- 
man service, A.M. ; English, p. m. 

Hebrew. — Washington Hebrew Congregation, 8th st., 
bet. H and I KW. Services every Friday 7 p. m., and Sab- 
bath (Saturday) 9 A. M. 

Lutheran — Trinity, (Unaltered Augsburg Confession,) 
E and 4th sts. l^W. St. Paul's, H and 11th sts l^W. Me- 
morial, ^ and 14th sts. K. 

Methodist Protestant. — 9th st., bet. E and F ]S"W. 

Presbyterian. — First, 4^ st. NW., near the City Hall. 
Fourth, 9th, bet. G and H sts. KW. New- York Avenue, 
New-York av., bet. 13th and 14th NW. 

Unitarian. — D and 6th sts. NW. 

Universalist. — Masonic Hall, F and 9th sts. NW. 

Colored Churches. — Baptist, First, I and 19th sts. NW. 
Catholic, Roman, St. Martin's, loth st., near L NW. Epis- 
copal, St. Mary's, 23d st., bet. G and H NW. Methodist, 
Asburj^ K and 11th sts. NW. Presbyterian, 15th, bet. I and 
K sts. NW. 

Theatres. — The best places of amusement in the city are 
ForcVs Opera House^ on 9th st. W., immediately S. of Penn- 
sylvania av., and the National Theatre^ on E st. IST., bet. 13th 
and 14th sts. NW. Here the standard comedies and trage- 
dies and plays of the day are jjerformed by excellent stock 
companies during the winter season, varied at intervals by 
Italian, German, or English opera, and the presence of the- 
atrical "stars." 

G-eneral Anmsements.— Concerts and lectures take place 
almost every night, and will aflbrd recreation for those who 
prefer this character of entertainment. 

Etiquette, Oeremonies, and Formalities. — The population 
of Washington is divided into two classes : official and unoffin 
cial. and society admits of the same classification. The first 
includes those actively associated with the various branches 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XV 

and departments of the Government and retired officers of 
the Army and l^avy and famihes. The second inckides resi- 
dents in the capital not in official employment, and visitors. 

The Season. — The fashionable season commences with 
the New Year's receptions, and ends with the beginning of 
Lent. During tliis period life at the capital is extremely gay. 
The congressional season begins on the first Monday in De- 
cember of each year, and, with a recess dm-ing the Christmas 
holidays, lasts till March 4 in the odd years and until June or 
July in tlie even years. During the months of July, August, 
and September, the prominent officials and residents leave the 
capital for places of summer resorc. 

Receptions. — The reception season begins on New Year's 
day and lasts till the beginning of Lent. The daj^s for after- 
noon receptions are arranged among the ladies of the families 
of the President, Cabinet Ministers, and Governor of the Dis- 
trict. The announcements are made daily during the season 
in the newspapers. Hours, afternoon, 2 to 5 p. m. ; evening, 
8 to 11 p. m. Afternoon receptions are open to all. Evening 
receptions are by card, unless otherwise announced in the daily 
newspapers. 

Titles — The following are the forms of address used in 
conversation with certain officials, viz : Mr. President ; to 
members of the Cabinet, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Postmaster Gen- 
eral, Mr. Attorney General ; Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. Vice Presi- 
dent, Mr. Senator, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice, for associates of 

the Supreme Court, and INIr. , for Representatives. The 

latter frequently have titles, as Judge, &c. Official commu- 
nications should be addressed, "Totlie President, ''To the 
Chief Justice," and all others "To the Honorable, tlie Sec- 
retary of State," &c., or ''The Honorable D. W., Secretary of 
State;" and to members of Congress, Honorable, with the 
name. Th.e form customary for ladies of officials, is Mrs. 

President ; Mrs. General ; Mrs. Secretary, &c. The 

following form of address for certain officers would be better 
than those now in vogue : For the Secretary of State, The 
Pi'emier,' other members of the Cabinet, Mr. Minister. 

Cards. — Whenever a visit is made or reception attended^ 
a card, containing the name and residence in the city, should 
be sent in, or left with the usher, or in the receiver in the 
hall. Cards left at afternoon receptions are generally recog- 
nized by cards to evening receptions. Cards are generally 
issued to all evening receptions, except those of the President 
and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and sometimes 
the General of the Army. In private calls, if the person 
called upon be out, turn down the right upper corner of the 
card, to indicate that called in person ; if the call be upon 



XVI GENERAL INFORMATION. 

the family, iiiidei* the same circumstances, turn clown the 
right end. In making a farewell call, place P. P. C. on the 
lower edge of the card. 

A stranger, in calling upon officials, or at receptions, should, 
if his name be not announced by an usher or by card, men- 
tion it himself, so as to prevent embarrassment. 

Invitations. — In all cases, invitations to dinner should 
be promptly accepted or declined. It is not obligatory to 
respond to invitations to evening entertainments, unless re- 
quired in the letters JR. S. V. P., though it is proper to recog- 
nize them formally. Invitations to evening receptions do 

not require a reply. The general form of reply is : Mr. S 

presents his compliments to Secretary , and accepts with 

pleasure his inritation to dinner Thursday evening. Mon- 
day, Dec. — , 187 — . The form is the same, with adaptation, 
for evening entertainments. 

Calls. — The ladies of officials return calls. The President 
and wife are not required to return calls ; other members of 
the family can. The lower officials should always call first 
upon the higher; and ladies the same ; hours 2 to 5 p. m. 
Evening calls only allowed for social acquaintances. The 
first visit received should be returned in three days. Stran- 
gers, desiring to pay respects to any officials, can do so with 
propriety during office hours, sending in a card, marked "to 
pay respects," by the usher. 

Dress. — For visiting and at all afternoon receptions such 
dress for ladies and gentlemen as is recognized in good soci- 
€ty for morning calls should be worn. At all evenbig recep- 
tions and dinner j)CLrties^ fall evening dress for ladies and 
gentlemen should be strictly observed ; consisting, for gen- 
tlemen, of black dress-coat and pantaloons, white neck-tie, 
and light gloves. 

The President. — Cabinet clays., Tuesdays and Fridays, 
hours of meeting 12 M. Business 'hours : During tlie session 
of Congress, the President receives Senators and Kepresen- 
tatives from 10 A. M. to 12 M. every day, except Sunday, and 
the public, hj card through the usher in the ante-room, from 
12 M. till 3 P. M., except on Cabinet days and Sundays. The 
number admitted during hours is governed entirely by tlie 
time the President can spare from his public duties. Persons 
desiring to pay their respects only, should note '-'to pciy res- 
pects'''' on their cards, and call the attention of the officer in 
in the ante-room thereto. During the adjournment of Con- 
gress, the President, when not absent from the Capital, usu- 
ally receives in the morning from 10 A. M. to 12 M. 

The President and family receive socially in the evening. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XVII 

These visits, however, are only made by those warranted by 
their acquaintance to call upon them. 

Diplomatic representatives of foret^n governments, upon 
their first arrival at the Capital, are presented in the Blue- 
Koom, at a time fixed by the Secretary of State, with the 
consent of the President. The ceremony of presentation 
consists of an address by the Minister, and a reply hj the 
President. 

The President's levees are announced through the press. 
N"o further invitation is necessary, and all strangers at the 
Capital are at liberty to call. The hours are usually from 8 
to 10 P.M. Music by the Marine Band. No dress is pre- 
scribed, though it is eminently p-oper to appear in the even- 
ing dress dictated by good society. Enter by the N. door, 
where the ushers will direct to the cloak rooms. Then enter 
the Red, and pass into the Blue-Room, where the President 
receives. Announce name to the Marshal of tlie District, 
who presents to the President. The Engineer in charge of 
Public Buildings and Grounds presents to the wife of the 
President. After pa3dng respects, in order to make room 
for others, it is advisable to pass out at once into the Green 
and tliencc into the East-Room. 

The afternoon receptions at the President's House are al- 
ways held by the Avife of the President, on sucli days as she 
may select. She is assisted by such ladies as she may invite, 
generally selected in alphabetical order from the wives of 
Senators and ISIembers, who, by their official positions, are 
entitled to such consideration, and any friend. Hours^ 2 to 
5 p. m. Xo invitations. Visitors in the city are at liberty 
to attend. The President, after office hours, often assists. 
Presentations are made in the Blue Room by the Engineer 
in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. Approach as 
in levees, except that it is customary to leave a card at the 
door. Enter the Red Room. Dress the same as i-ecognized 
by good society as suitable for morning calls. These recep- 
tions afford an excellent opportunity to strangers at the Cap- 
ital to view the suits of parlors, state dining-room, and con- 
servatories. The latter are open to the public only on these 
occasions. After leaving the Blue Room, pass into the Green 
and East Rooms. The corridor wliich leads from the East 
Room extends to the conservatories on the W. end. The 
President, (kn-ing the winter, gives state dinners^ to which 
thirty-six invitations at a time are issued, and comprise Sen- 
ators and Representatives, selected alphabetically. Their 
wives are also included. The President also invites promi- 
Qent officers of the Government in recognized order. 

On New Yearns day the President receives in the following 



XVlll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

order : Members of the Cabinet and Foreign Ministers ; 
judges of the Supreme iDoiirt of the United States; Senators 
and Representatives in Congress ; the Governor of the Dis- 
trict of Cokmibia and suite; judges of tiie courts of tlie Dis- 
trict of Columbia and of tlie United States Court of Claims ; 
officers of the army and navy ; Assistant Secretaries of depart- 
ments; Solicitor General; associations and the public. 

Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court. — La- 
dies receive on Monday. Return visits. First call must be 
made upon them. 

Speaker's receptions are announced in the newspapers. 

General, of the Army. — ^Reception of lady, Mondays. 
Expect the first call. The General's receptions are by card, 
miless otherwise announced in the newspapers. 

Admiral, op the iS^avy.— Same as for General of the 
Arm3^ except evening receptions always by card. 

The Cabinet. — The ladies of Cabinet Ministers usually 
receive on Wednesdays, at which time visitors in the city are 
at liberty to call, leave cards with and give names to the usher 
at the door. Evening receptions by card are given by Cabi- 
net Ministers. The ladies of the Cabinet return visits. The 
first call must be made upon them. 

Senators and Representatives. — Ladies receive on 
Thursdays. Calls must be first made upon them. 

Governor of the District. — Afternoon receptions of 
ladies announced in the newspapers. Open to all. Evening 
by card. First call must be made. 

Diplomatic Corps. — Invitations are issued to all enter- 
tainments. Receive calls first. There are also diplomatic 
evenings for members of the corps and families, and such 
others as the lady personally invites. 

Residents.— The ladies of the families of residents at the 
capital not in official life, call first. Their days at home are 
generally marked on their cards. 

Social precedence. — 1, The President; 2, the Chief. 
Justice; 3, the Vice President: 4, the Speaker; 5, the Gen- 
eral of the Army; 6, the Admiral of the Navy; 7, the Cabi- 
net, Secretary of State, Treasury, Wai-, ]Sra\T, Postmaster 
General, Secretary of the Interior, and Attorney General ; 8, 
Senators ; 9, Associate Justices ; 10, Representatives in Con- 
gress; and, 11, Governor of the District. 

Remarks. — General Jackson first introduced bad mannei-s 
into the society of the President's House. The President, by 
virtue of his office, of a right occupies the highest social posi- 
tion in the land, and the observance of the formalities which 
are recognized in the surroundino-s of any American gentle- 
man's home shoidd be aceorded to the home of the President. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 



XIX- 



Distances from Washington. 



Capitals of States or Territories are in capital letters. 



MILES. 

Albany, N.Y 374 

Albuquerque, N.M..2156 

Alexandria, Va 7 

Annapolis, Md 42 

Atlanta, Ga 721 

Augusta, Me 631 

Austin. Texas 1781 

Baltimore, Md 40 

BoiSK City, Idaho. ..2GG7 

Boston, Mass 458 

Brownsville, Tex... 194(5 

Buffalo, N.Y 44(3 

Cairo, Illinois 977 

Carson City, Nev...2950 

Charleston, S. C 587 

Cheyenne, \Vy. T....1S5(J 

Chicago, 111 842 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... Gil 

Columbia, S. C 519 

Columbus, Ohio 535 

Concord, N. H 503 

Deer LoDGE.Mon.T.2700 

Denver, Col. T 1950 

Desmoines, Iowa 11G2 

Detroit. Mich 692 

Dover. Del. 159 

Duluth, Minn 1437 

Erie, Pa 466 

Fort Abercrombie,1507 
Fort Benton, M.T..3130 
Fort Berthold, D.T.21S6 
Fort Bliss, Tex .... 2523 
Fort Boise, Idaho..26(39 



MILES. 

Fort Bridger, Wy.T.2349 
Fort Dodge, Kan.. .1586 

Fort Fetterman 1984 

Fort Gibson,Ch.Na.l387 

Fort Hays. Kan 1525 

Fort Klamath, Ore.3320 
Fort Laramie, VV.T.1906 
Fort Leavenworth. ,1263 
Fort Randall, D. T.1535 
Fort Smith, Ark. ...1307 
Fort Wavne, Ind... 694 

Fort Yuma, Cal 3881 

Frankfort, Ky 731 

Galveston, Texas. ..1556 

Harrisburg, Pa 125 

Hartford, Conn 342 

Indianapolis, Ind... 715 

Jackson, Miss 10S2 

Jefferson City, Mo.l077 
Kansas City, Mo... .1234 

Lansing, Mich 742 

Leavenworth, Kan. 1260 
Little Rock, Ark. ..1115 

Louisville, Ky 720 

MADisoN,Wis 974 

Memphis, Tenn 934 

Milledgeville, Ga.. GOS 

Milwaukee, Wis 927 

Mobile, Ala 1082 

Montgomery, Ala.... 896 

MONTPELIEB, Vt 556 

Nashville, Tenn.... 775 
New Haven, Conn.. 307 



MILES. 

New Orleans, La. ...1250 

New York, N. Y 229 

Norfolk, Va 2.33 

Olympi.a, Wash. T...39S2 

Omaha, Neb 1298 

Pensacola, Fla 1050-. 

Philadelphia, Pa.... 139 

Pittsburg, Pa 374 

Portland, Ore 3952 

Providence, R. 1 419 

Raleigh, N. C... 313 

Richmond, Va 130 

Sacramento, Cal 3072 

Saint Louis, Mo 952 

Saint Paul, Minn.. 1285 

S.ALEM, Ore 3834 

Salt Lake City U.T.2464 
San Francisco, Cal. 3155 
San Juan Is., W. T.4047 
S.anta Fe, N. Mex...2093 

Savannah, Ga 691 

Tahlequah, Ind.T..130U 

Sitka, Alaska.., 4535 

Springfield, 111 928 

Tallahassee, Fla 953 

ToPEKA, Kan 1302 

Trenton, N. J 170 

Tucson, Ar. T 2628 

Vancouver, W. T...3970 
Virginia Citv, M.T.2687 
Wheeling, W. Va.... 401 
Wilmington, Del... Ill 
Yankton, D. T 1449 



Foreign Distances, air-Line, 


FROM 


Washington, to 


MILES. 

Belize... 1410 


Honolulu 

Jerusalem 


MILES. 

....4650 
... 5490 


MILES. 

Rome.. 4080 


Berlin 3840 


San Domingo 1300 

San Juan 1380 


Buenos Ayres 4870 

Calcutta 8580 


Lima 


....3180 
....3180 


Callao 3168 




....3300 


Santiago, Chili 4700 

Spanishtown, Jam..l290 

St. Petersburg 4290 

Sydney, Aus 9150 

Tphannf.pnpr> 1R9ft 




Mexico 

Nicaragua 


....1680 
... 1740 


Cape Good Hope....73S0 


Cape Horn 6450 

Chuquisaca 3670 


Panama 

Paris . 


....1840 
3480 


Constantinople 4870 


Pekin 


... 7680 


Vera Cruz . 1560 


Georgetown, Br. G.2230 
Havana 1250 


Rio de Janeiro.. 


....4300 


Vienna !41ia 



XX 



general information. 
Differences of Time. 



Table showing the mean time at 39 places in the United States 
and Foreign Countries, u hen it is mean noon at Washington, 
D. 0., United States of America. 

* Signifies forenoon and f afternoon. Time computed from the ob- 
»erratories of all places marked (o.) 



h. 

Albany, N.Y (o) t 

Alexandria, Egypt. f 7 

Astoria, Oregon * 8 

Augusta, Maine f 

Baltimore, Md f 

Berlin, Prussia (o) t 6 

Boston, Mass \ 

Cambridge, Mass... (o) f 

Canton, China * 

Charleston. S. C * 11 

Chicago, 111 * 11 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... * 11 
Detroit, Michigan- * 11 
Greenwich, Eng.... (o) f 5 

Honolulu, S.I * 6 

Jeddo, Japan * 2 

Leayenworth.Kan. * 10 

Lima, Peru *11 

Lirerpool, Eng {p) t 4 

London, Eng (o) f 5 



m. 


S. 


13 


13 


7 


44 


52 


57 


2S 


52 


1 


45 


1 


40 


23 


5S 


23 


42 


41 


18 


48 


30 


17 


41 


30 


13 


36 


2 


8 


11 


36 


44 


28 


12 


49 


16 


59 


41 


56 


11 


2 


12 



Louisville, Ky 

Melbourne, Aus'lia 

Memphis, Teun 

Mexico, Mex 

Milwaukee, Wis 

Mobile, Alabama... 

Montreal, C. E 

Moscow, Russia 

New Orleans, La.... 

New York, N. Y 

Panama, C. A 

Paris, France 

Philadelphia, Pa.... 

Rome, Italy 

Salt Lake, Utah 

San Francisco, Cal. 

St. Louis, Mo 

Vienna, Austria 

Washington, D.C... 



h. 

tn 

* 2 

* II 

* 10 

* 11 

* 11 



t 
(0) t 



(o)t 

(0) 

(o) 



* 11 

(0)t 6 
(0) 



SECTION I. 

WASHINGTON AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



WASHINGTON. 




iHE Seat of Government of the United States 
of America lias been appropriately called "the 
Virgin Capital." A territory under the exclusive 
Jurisdiction of Congress had earlj^ received the atten- 
tion of the legislators of the new Republic; indeed, 
'^^ P before the clamor of war had fau-ly ceased, or the 
royal standard of England had left its shores. The posses- 
sion of such a territory was an important feature in the de- 
bates upon the framing of the Constitution ; and it was pre- 
cisely forty-eight days after the last act of ratification, that 
the Federal City of the American Republic was by solemn en- 
actment of the young Congress of the Thirteen Free and Inde- 
pendent States located on the beautiful eastern shore of the 
broad Potomac. It might be added, that not only is Washing- 
ton the only virgin capital in the world, but its f oimdation was 
simultaneous vnth the inauguration of the permanent form of 
government of the nation. Of being synchronous it lacked less 
than two years. The idea and tlu; execution were essentially 
American. It was founded as the Capital of the Republic. It 
sprang out of the virgin soil, and its growth and magnificence 
were to be measured by the progress and taste of the people 
who constituted the Government of which it was to be the 
political head and centre and the permanent residence. 

Among the capitals of the great nations of modern times, 
in this particular Washington stands alone. St. Petersburg, 
now the seat of the imperial residence of the Autocrat of all 
the Russias, rose out of the morasses of the Neva at the will 
of the great Peter. It M'as long what its founder called it, a 
look-out upon Europe, before the ancient capital of the Czars, 
in the fertile Moskva, left the sheltering walls of the Krem- 
lin for the banks of the Neva. Versailles, the queen of royal 
residences, sprang from a favorite hunting lodge of Louis 
XIII. A monarch like his successor was alone capable of an 



Z GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. 

exhibition of extravagance such as this. The genius of Le 
Brun and Le Kotre, and tlie expenditure of two hundred 
millions of dollars, did not make Versailles a capital. Its 
name and its associations are synonymous with the reckless- 
ness of a luxurious and dissolute court. Kome, the city of 
over twenty-six centuries, was government and capital , when 
Romulus, with his handful of Latins on the western slope of 
the Palatine ; Tatius, with his Sabines on the Capitoline and 
the Quirinal ; and the Etruscans on the Crelian and Esquiline, 
gathered around the forum, and laid the foundation of that 
career of greatness and power, which justlj^ earned the proud 
title of Mistress of the World. But republican Kome rose 
on the ruins of the earlier kingdom of tlie Tarquins. Impe- 
rial Rome superseded the colossal fabric of the Republic of 
the Consuls, the Tribunes, and tiie Triumvirs. Pontifical 
Rome reared herself upon the crumbled throne of the Impe- 
rial Caesars. The Rome of to-day, the capital of United 
Italy, therefore, may well be said to be the mother, while 
Washington is the maiden, of capitals. 

Geographical Location.— Washington the Federal, or Capi- 
tal City of the United States of America, is situated on the 
left or eastern bank of the Potomac River, between the 
Anacostia, or Eastern Branch of the Potomac, and Rock 
Creek, 106| m. (statute) above the mouth of the Potomac 
River, by ship channel, from abreast the red buoy off Point 
Lookout to Arsenal or Geenleaf's Point, and 185| m. fi"om 
the buoy 1^ m. NE. of Cape Henry light, mouth of Chesa- 
peake Bay. The distance by air line to the mouth of the 
Potomac River is 69 m., and to the mouth of the Chesapeake 
Bay 143 m. The distance from the Capitol by air line to 
the sea-coast, just below Cape Henlopen, the nearest point, 
is 105 m. ; and to the Chesapeake Bay, available for vessels 
of war, Patuxent River, 53 m. ; Annapolis 38J m., and 
Herring Bay 39 m. 

The kuitadeof Washington (capitol) is 38° 52^ 20'^ north, long- 
itude 76° 55^ 30^^ .54 west of Greenwich, and 79° 15' 41^' .69 
west of Paris, both ascertained in 1821, under authority of 
Congress, by William Lambert of V^irginia. 

The siie of the city and the location of the public reservations, squares, Cap- 
itol and President's House, were selected by President Washington. The only 
direct reference to the location of the public buildings within the limits of the 
territory then accepted, was contained in a proviso in the amendatory act of 
Congress, approved March 30, 1791, requiring their erection on the Maryland 
side of the Potomac. When the city was located, the northern limit of the 
United States was lat. 46° N. and the southern 31° N., placing Washington but 
23 min. or geographical miles south of the centre along the Atlantic Coas_t. 
The centre is now in the vicinity of Newberne, North Carolina, or 233 miles b. 
Another important consideration in those primitive days was the fact, that on 



4 AREA. 

no part of the coast, within the bounds of the country, was there accessible to 
sea-going vessels a port situated so far inland. 

The distances from the National Capitol to the remote points within the vast 
domain now under the jurisdiction of the republic, indicate the wonderful ex- 
tension of area attained by conquest and purchase during the first century of 
growth, viz To the north-eastern boundary on New Brunswick, 750 miles ; 
Rouse's Point, northern boundary, 598 miles; Cape Flattery, the extreme 
north-western boundary, on the Pacific Ocean, 4102 miles , Sitka, the capital 
of the Alaskan Possessions, 4535 miles; to San Francisco, western boundary, 
on the Pacific Ocean, 3155 miles ; Key West, Florida, 1494 miles ; Brownsville, 
Texas, the Mexican frontier, 1946 miles. {^For table of distances from Wash- 
ington to the principal cities of the United States and the world^ see General 
Information^ 

Area. — The plot of the city lies on the W. side of the 
tract, 64 sq. m., within the present borders of the District of 
Columbia, and is 14 m. in circumference. It covers 6,111 a., 
or a little over 9J sq. m. The avenues, streets, and spaces 
comprise 2,554 a. ; the Government reservations, as origi- 
nally laid out, 541 a., and squares 3,016 a. The gi^atest 
length is from W. to S. of E. ; or from Rock Creek, between 
I and K sts. W., to the bank of the Anacostia, at 24th st. E., 
on B St. S., 4.57 m. The earlier plot is extended to 31st 
St. E. ; but the 7 additional streets and squares are subject 
to tidal inundation, and are generally excluded from the 
later maps. The grv3atest breadth of the city is W. of N"., 
from Greenleaf Point, at the foot of the Ai'senal Grounds, to 
Boundary, at 11 St. W., 3.78 m. The mean width from E. 
to W. is over 4 m., and length 2^ m. The city lies 4 m. 
along the Potomac and about 3J m. along the Anacostia. 

The following is a co7nparison of the geographical location, area and popula- 
tion of Washington with the leading capitals of Europe: Washington.— Lak. 
38° 52' 20" N. On Potomac "River, io6^ m. from its mouth. Area 9^^ sq. m., 
and 14 in. in circuit. Population, 1870, 109,199. London.— Lat. (St. Paul's), 
51° 30 48" N. On Thames River, 50 m. from its mouth. Area of old city i 
sq. m. With city and liberty of Westminster and 5 boroughs, 31,313 sq. m. 
Population, 1870, 3,215,000. Paris. — Lat. 48'^ 50' 12" N. On the Seine River, 
110 m. from Its mouth. Area 14 sq. m. Population, 1871, 1,950,000. Berlin. 
— Lat. 52° 30' i6" N. On Spree River. Area 6,800 a., and lo m. in circuit. 
Population, 820,000. St. Petersburg. — Lat. 59° 56' N. On the Neva River, 
near its mouth. Area 6 m. in length and 5 in width. Population. 667,000. 
Vienna. — Lat. 48° 12' N. On the Wein River, near the Danube. Circuit 15 
m. Population, 1872, 640,000. Rome. — Lat 41° 54' 06" N. On the Tiber 
River, 17 m. from its mouth. Circuit 12 m. Population, 1872, 247,497. 

Government. — The municipal form of 1801, with amend- 
ments at various times, continued for nearly three-quarters 
of a century. In 1871 it was superseded by the territorial 
form, which was abolished by Act of Congress, June 20, 
1874, and a government of three commis'^ioners substituted. 
[See Government, District of Columbia.) 

Finances.— (/SVf' District of Columbia.) 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. D 

Population. — The population of the city, by decades, since 
its foundation, was 1800, 3,210; 1810, 8,208; 1820, 13,247; 
1830, 18,826; 1840, 23,364; 1850, 40,001; 1860, 61,122; 1870, 
109,199. In 1870, white, 73,731 ; colored, 35,455 ; Indian, 1.3. 
Born in the District of Columbia, 42,694 ; in other States, 
52,748; in foreign countries, 13,757, viz: Ireland, 6.948; 
Germany, 4,133; England, 1,235 ; Scotland, 299; British 
America, 239 ; Italy, 175 ; Switzerland, 140 ; all other foreign 
countries, 582. 

Miscellaneous Statistics.— Size, 12 in population ; families, 
21,343; persons to a family, 5.12; dwellings. No., 19,545; 
pei'sons to each, 5.59. Persons in each class of occupations, 
41,188 : agriculture, 284; personal and professional services, 
v.6,109 : male, 15,596 ; female, 10,513 ; trade and trausport- 
ition, 5,296 ; manufactures, mechanical, and mining indus- 
-ries. 9,499. 



DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



The Federal Territory, or District of Columbia, is situ- 
ated on the left or E. bank of the Potomac River, at the 
confluence of the Anacostia or Eastern Branch of that 
stream. 

Boundaries.— The District of Columbia comprises 64 
square miles. It lies entirely within the State of Maryland, 
and is bounded on the north by Montgomery county, on 
the east and south by Prince George county, and west by 
the Potomac River. 

T\v^ Federal territory as originally located by President Washington, under 
authority of the Constitution of the United States, and national and state legis- 
lation, formed a square of lo miles (loo sq. m.). The bounds were proclaimed 
by the President March 30, 1791. On Friday, April 15, of the same year, at 
3 P. M., the municipal authorities of Alexandria, Virginia, repaired to the 
house in which the commissioners of Washington were residing, and after uni- 
ting with them in a glass of wine, to the sentiment '' iMay the stone which we 
are about to place in the ground remain an immovable monument of the wis- 
dom and unanimity of North America," the company proceeded to Jones' 
Point, or the upper cape, which projects into the Potomac River on the Vir- 
ginia side or right bank, at the confluence of Hunting Creek, then i mile E. of 
S. of the Court House of Alexandria, in the following order: Town Sergeant; 
Daniel Carroll, Commissioner, and the Mayor of Alexandria ; Andrew ElUcott, 
Surveyor and the Recorder ; the Aldermen and Common Council, not Free 
Masons ; strangers. Master of Lodge No. 22, F. A. M. of Alexandria, with 
David Stewart, Commissioner, on his right, and James Muir, Pastor of that 
Episcopal parish on his left, followed by the rest of the fraternity and citizens. 



D GOVERNMENT. 

Eliicott, " Geographer General," then ascertained the precise location on 
Jones' Point, as defined by the President's proclamation, whereupon the Mas- 
ter of the Lodge aud Dr. Stewart, aided by the craft, planted the initial or 
corner-stone of the Federal Territory, in accordance with the impressive rites 
of Masonry. The Rev. James Muir delivered an address. After partaking of 
refreshments, the procession returned to the city, and closed the ceremonies of 
the day with a banquet and appropriate toasts and speeches. From this initial 
stone Mr. Eliicott, during the ensuing year, laid down the lines ot boundary as 
directed by the President's proclamation. The first at an angle of 45° W. of 
N., a distance of 10 m., into the State of Virginia ; the second sXso starting at 
the initial point, at a right angle with the first, or N. E., across the Potomac, 
10 m., into the State of Maryland, and the remaining two lines from the ter- 
mini of the first two and at right angles with them, respectively, N. E. and 
N. W., until they met each other in a point. The original Territory, it will be 
seen, stood diagonally, each angle facing one of the cardinal points of the com- 
pass. The A^. pointy as originally laid out, is =^ m. due W. of Silver Spring, 
Md. ; the E. point 0.^1 m. S. of E. of Benning's Bridge, on the Anacostia ; the 
5. or initial point at the N. cape of Hunting Creek, called Jones' Point ; and 
the W. point near the source of Four-mile Run, in Virginia. 'Y\i& centre o/the 
original Territory is marked by a gray free-stone, about 100 yds. W. of the 
Washington Monument, and on a line almost due S. from the President's 
House, at a distance of about Yz m. 

The lines were marked by square mile stones, with appropriate inscriptions 
on the side facing the territory, "Jurisdiction of the United States;" 
facing the State, " Virginia," or " Maryland," according to location; facing 
the North '"• 1792," the year in which planted ; and facing the South, the po- 
sition of the Magnetic Needle. Many of these stones are doubtless still standing, 
but lost sight of amid the accumulations of decayed vegetation. It has been 
wisely suggested that the Government should define the lines of the Federal 
Territory of this now mighty Republic by tablets, columns and other marks, 
worthy and commemorative of its greatness. Shortly after the District was laid 
out this was seriously considered. It was proposed to build a great Fort at 
Jones' Point, on the site of the initial corner-stone of the Federal Territory, at 
the same time to constitute one of the defenses of the river approach to the 
Capital from the Sea, and to be called Fort Columbia. It was actually com- 
menced, but was soon afterwards abandoned. 

In 1846 all that portion of the District, consisting of about 36 sq. m., which 
lay on the W bank of the Potomac, in Virginia, was retroceded to that State, 
which reduced the area to 64 sq. m., its present extent. Since the retrocession, 
the short-sighted policy of that act has been demons rated. The question of re- 
storing the Territory to Its first limits is being agitated. In the absence of ab- 
solute jurisdiction on both sides of the river, it is manifest that there must be 
interminable conflicts of interest and authority; the more so as the Capital in- 
creases in population, wealth and magnificence, ".^he schemes of improvement 
of the Potomac in front of Washington and Georgetown also demand the 
possession of the Virginia shore. 

Political Divisions.— The Distri(^fc is divided into the cities 
of Wasliingtoii and Georgetown and the County of Wash- 
inetou. 

G-overnment,. — ^The Congress of the United States, in ISIov., 
ISOO, assembled for the first time in the City of Washing- 
ton. The jurisdiction of tlie United States over the Dis- 
trict vested on tlie first Monday of Dec, 1800. It was not, 
however, till IVb. 27, 1801, that Congress assumed direct and 
exchi.sive jiu-isdiction— all atlairs of tJic district being first 
referred to a Committee for the District of Columbia forcon- 
sitleratiou and report- 



O GOVERNiMENT. 

The act of Congress approved February 21, 1871, created 
all that part of the territoiy of the United States included 
within the limits of the District of Columbia, into a govern- 
ment, b}^ the name of the District of Columbia ; theexecu- 
tive power to be vested in a Governor^ to be nominated by 
the President and con firmed by the Senate, and to hold oflfice 
for four years; and the legislative power in a Legislative As- 
sembly^ composed of a Council of 11 members, nominated by 
the President and contii-med by the Senate, to hold office two 
years, and a House of Delegates of 22 members, elected by 
the ])eople, and to meet annually. There was a Board of 
Public Works for improvements, a Board of Healthy charged 
with the sanitary care of the District, and a Delegate in Con- 
gress. 

On January 22, 1872, a memorial was presented to Con- 
gress, declaring tliat the Board of Public AYorks had usurped 
authority in making improvements, and was submitted on 
Februaiy G, 1872, setting forth a great increase of the debt of 
the District of Columbia, and asking that this be prevented. 
An investigation was ordered. This committee made two 
reports. The majority admitted that mistakes had been 
made, but not for corrupt purposes. The minoritj^ declared 
that the grievances complained of were sustained. Two years 
later another appeal was made to Congress. A joint resolu- 
tion, passed by the House of Representatives February 2, and 
Senate Februar}^ 11, 1874, created a Joint Select Committee, of 
three Senators and five Representatives, to inquire into the 
affairs of the District of Columbia. The principal charges of 
the memorialists, headed by W. W. Corcoran, were that un- 
lawful contracts had been made for public improvements in 
the District of Columbia ; that unlawful assessments of taxes 
had been levied; that false measurements had been made; 
and that the debt had been unnecessarily increased. 

The committee, after an investigation consuming over three 
months, unanimously arrived at the conclusion that the then 
existing form of government of the District of Columbia was 
a failure ; that it was too cumbrous and expensive ; that it 
was wanting in sufficient safeguards against maladministra- 
tion and the creation of indebtedness. The act of June 20, 
1874, based upon the i-ecommendations of the committee, 
abolished the territorial form, alone retaining the Board of 
Health, and provided Vi provisional government of three Com- 
missioners until a permanent one was devised by Congress. 
This is now being done. 

A notorious act, growing out of the troubles between the 
memorialists and the government of the District of Columbia, 
led to another investigation, on a joint resolution of Congress, 



POPULATION. 9 

May 5, 1874, to inquire whetlier any officers in the employ- 
ment of the United States or of the District of Cohimbia were 
engasfed in a conspiracy to defeat or hinder tlie investigations 
ordered b.y Congress into the aifairs of trie District, and par- 
ticularly the circumstances connected with the robbery of 
the safe in the office of the United States attorney for the 
District of Columbia. The committee reported that they 
were satistied that one of the objects of the burglary was to 
falsely implicate certain individuals among the memorialists, 
but were unable to determine who were' the conspirators, 
and directed that the evidence be turned over to the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury and Attorney General for their informa- 
tion. Criminal prosecutions were ordered. Upon a trial of 
the case the jury failed to agree, and the government entered 
a nolle pros. 

The judicial courts of the District are subject to the legisla- 
tive action of Congress only. 

'J'he salaries of all officers appointed by the President are 
paid b}'^ the U. S. ; all others by the District. The new District 
government went into operation June 1, 1871. 

Finances, estimated upon the tax levy for the fiscal j'ear 
ending June 30, 1874 : 

Assessed valuation of real estate in the District of Colum- 
bia, $96,433,072, viz : Washington, $80,539,782 ; Georgetown, 
$6,272,010 ; County of Washington, $9,621,280. Total actual 
valuation, $200,000,000. Kevenue : Taxes, $1,888,252 06; 
other sources, $200,000 ; total, $2,088,252 06. Kate of tax on 
$100 : Washington, $2 00 ; Georgetown, $2 00 ; County, $1 58. 
• The act of Congress of 1874, abolislwng the territorial gov- 
ernment established in 1871, also embraced provisions for a 
thorough examination of the financial condition of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and accounts of the Board of Public Works. 
This work has been carefully performed by a Board of Audit 
and reported to Congress. 

The bonded debt existing Nov. 1, 1873, was as follows : 
District of Columbia, $5,522,350; late Corporation of Wash- 
ington, $4,127,584 22 ; late Corporation of Georgetown, $252,- 
316 96 : total, $0,902,251 18. Congress limits the amount of 
debt that may be incurred by the District to $10,000,000. 

Population. — The population of the District, inclusive of 
the County of Alexandria up to 1840, and exclusive after, 
during each decade since its occupation by the Government, 
was, 1800, 14,093 ; 1810, 24,023 ; 1820, 33,039 ; 1830, 39,834 ; 
1840, 43,712; 1850, 51,687; 1860, 75,080; 1870, 131,700. 

Classified, 1870 : White, 88,278 ; colored, 43,404 ; Chinese, 
3 ; Indian, 15 ; male, 62,192 ; female, 69,508 ; native, 115,446 ; 



10 INDUSTRY AND WEALTH. 

foreign born, 16,254 ; native of District of Columbia, 52,340 ; 
of other States, 63,106. Of foreign countries, 16,254, viz : 
Ireland, 8,218 ; Germany, 4,920 ; England, 1,422 ; Scotland, 
352; British America, 290; France, 231; Ttalj^ 182; all 
other foreign countries, 639. 

By cinl divisions, 1870 : Washington, 109,199 ; George- 
town, 11,384; county, 11,117. 

Slave population : 1800, 3,244 ; 1810, 5,395 ; 1820, 6,377 ; 
1830, 6,119; 1840, 4,694; 1850, 3,687; 1860, 3,185; 1870, 
none. 

Total, exclusive of Alexandria County : 1800, 8,144 ; 1810, 
15,471 ; 1820, 23,336 ; 1830, 30,261 ; and 1840, 33,745 ; subse- 
quently, as above. 

The increase to 131,700 diu-ing the decade ending in 1870 
indicates an unusually rapid growth. This will be further 
promoted, as the disposition already manifested by citizens of 
means in all parts of the country to make the National Capi- 
tal a place of winter resort increases. 

Miscellaneous Statistics, 1870.— Area, 64 sq. m . ; persons to 
a sq. m., 2,057.81. Families, 25,276; persons to a family, 
5.21. Dwellings, 23,308 ; persons to a dwelling 5.65. Per- 
sons in each class of occupations : Agriculture, 1,365 ; male, 
1,350 ; female, 15. Professional and personal services, 29,845 ; 
male, 17,927; female, 11,918. Trade and transportation, 
6,126; male, 5,852; female, 274. Manufacture, mechanical, 
and mining, 11,705; male, 10,071; female, 1,634. Other 
statistical information will be found under appropriate heads. 

Vital Statistics. -The District is situated in one of the health- 
iest regions in the country. Notwithstanding the large num- 
ber of strangers constantly arriving in the cit}^ and the 
irregular habits of a large proportion, the average deatii-rate 
compares favorably with other sections. The census of 1870 
shows the following results: Oregon, 1 death to 146 popula- 
tion, the most favorable ; Minnesota, 1 to 124 ; New Hamp- 
shire, 1 to 74 ; Pennsylvania, 1 to 68 ; District of Columbia, 1 
to 65 ; California, 1 to 62 ; Missouri, 1 to 61 ; JNIassachusetts, 1 
to 56 ; Louisiana, 1 to 50. The percentage of deaths to pop- 
ulation in the District is 1.53. The ag-gregate number of 
deaths in 1870 was 2,015: males, 1,065; females, 950; ag- 
gregate population, 131,700. Of the deaths, 929 died under 
the age of 5 years. The principal diseases are pulmonary 
and fevers, in particular localities. The fevers are generally 
intermitting and bilious. 

Industry and Wealth, 1870.— Valuation of Property, $74,- 
271,693; assessed real, $71,437,468; personal, $2,831,225. 



12 GEOLOGY. 

True value, real and personal, $126,873,618. This is exclu- 
sive of the property of the General Government. Taxation, 
not national, total $1,581,569 ; countv, $49,975 ; city, $1,531,- 
594; 1860, total $260,218; 1870, public debt, not'national, 
^2,596,545. Agriculture: Acres improved, 8,266; woodland, 
:2,428; other unimproved, 983 ; value of farms, $3,800,230; 
implements, &c. $39,450; value of productions, betterments, 
and additions to stock, $319,517. In 1860 there were 17,474 
acres improved and 16,789 unimproved, with a value of but 
#2,989,267. Manufactures : Establishments, 952 ; capital, 
#5,021,925; products, $9,292,173. In 1860 there were but 
429 establishments, with capital $2,905,865, and products 
#5,412,102. 'No. mining- or established fisheries. 

Agriculture. — The cereals and other crops of the N-. belt 
of the N. temperate zone are cultivated witli success in the 
District of Columbia. Fruits and vegetables in great varietj^ 
:are also grown. The niJirkets of the capital are abundantly 
supplied from the vicinity, and rank with, if they do not ex- 
cel, the finest in other parts of the United States. 

Topography.— The District of Columbia presents a pleasing 
variety of landscape. On the shores of the Potomac, towards 
the NVV., the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge range of the 
Appalachian chain approach the city, and form the wild and 
romantic scenery of rugged rocky hilis and deep valleys along 
the Potomac at the Little and Great Falls. I'he remainder 
of the District consists of sweeping and graceful undulations. 
The Potomac, from the NW., and the Anacostia, from the 
NE., unite their currents about the centre of the original 
bounds of the District, from which point the main river fiows 
in a southerly direction, until it x)asses the line. A number 
of smaller streams, including Rock and Tiber Creeks, which 
water all parts of the District, find their outlets into the Po- 
tomac or Anacostia. 

Geology. — The soil of the District bordering the Potomac 
is alluvial, formed by the rich deposits of the river, brought 
down fi'om the mountains. The elevated lands consist almost 
exclusively of yellow clay, interspersed with sand and gravel. 
Occasionally a mixture of loam and clay is met with. Rock 
Creek divides the primitive from the alluvial soil. Above 
Bock Creek the shores of the Potomac are lined w ith primi- 
tive rocks. Shortly after leaving the District the red sand- 
stone appears. In some parts the stone frequently contains 
leaves of trees and ligneous fragments. A species of gneiss, 
composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica, is also abundant, and 
constitutes the miderlying rock of the entire District. 



ORNITHOLOGY. 1^ 

Mineralogy. — The mineralogy of the District is thus stated 
by Mr. Robinson, in his Catalogue : 

Flint, on the shores of the Eastern Branch of the Poto- 
mac, near the Navy Yard, in small nodules. 

HORNESTONE, Containing organic remains. 

Agatized Wood, woodstone, three miles north from Wash-- 
ington, sometimes invested witli minute crystals of quartz^ 
fine specimens, and abundant. 

Schorl, in Georgetown, in gneiss. 

Lignite and Pyritical Fossil Wood, found abund- 
antly in digging wells. 

Iron Ore, in the vicinity of the w^oodstone locality, in de- 
tached masses, on the surface. Organic remains in sandstone 
abundant. 

Botany. — A list of the plants indigenous to the District of 
Columbia, prepared by J. A. Brereton, in 1822, from the ma- 
terial collected under the auspices of the Washington Botan- 
ical Society, and entitled Floo-ula Columbicma, presents 22 
classes and 288 varieties, following the Linngean classification. 
Of tlie more familiar varieties found are the oak, (several va- 
rieties,) button-wood, red maple, sassafras, alder, mountain 
ash, linden, catalpa, locust, chestnut, tulip, horehound, pen- 
nyroyal, dogwood, blue-eyed grass, violet, wild honeysuckle, 
fox grape, Indian tobacco, mullien, vrild sweet potato, night- 
shade, chickweed, touch-me-not, dog's bane, spiderwort, elder,, 
sumac, calamus, superb lily, hellebore, free primrose, ground 
laurel, laurel, whortleberry, wild indigo, wild pink, cockle, 
poke, strawberry, dewberrj^, blackberry, sweet brier. May 
apple, columbine, ground ivj^, motherwort, catnip, trumpet 
creeper, water-cress, wild pepper-grass, passion flower, crow- 
foot geranium, snakeroot, pea vine, wild potato vine, dande- 
lion, thistle, wild lettuce, sunflower, ladies' slipper, sedge,, 
nettle, burdock, hog weed, Indian turnip, cucumber. 

Zoology. — Tlie animals native to the region embraced within 
and contiguous to the District of Columbia in primitive times 
resorted to this vicinity in large numbers to feed upon the rich 
pastures found upon the alluvial banks of the Potomac. 
Among these were several varieties of deer. There were alsa 
panther, black bear, wild cat, wolves, red and gray foxes, 
rabbits, beaver, raccoon, opossum, squirrels, (several varieties,) 
field mice. The larger species are exterminated. The num- 
ber of species of all kinds is stated at 42. 

Ornithology, — The feathered kingdom is well represent- 
ed. Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, speaks of 100 vari- 
eties of birds, most of which doubtless were found in the 



14 CLIMATE. 

District. The wild turkey was found in great numbers. 
The canvas-back duck, which in early days resorted to the 
vicinity of Analostan Island, is yet met witli in the estu- 
aries of the streams below the city; also the wild g^oose, 
swan, mallard, blue-winged teal, widgeon, and other spe- 
cies. In the swamps are found snipe, rail, blackbirds, 
and reed-birds. The country generally abounds in quail. 
The hunting of feathered game is restricted by law. The 
autumn months generally constitute the season. The car- 
dinal grosbeak, mocking-bird, sparrow, linnet, yellow-bird, 
thrush, sand-piper, king-fisher, and heron are also met with. 
The number of species of all kinds is stated at 236. 

Ichthyology — ^.The Potomac, within tlie District, is stocked 
with lish in great numbers, some of whicli are of the finest 
varieties. Those best known are tlie sturgeon, (weight from 
40 to 150 lbs.,) rock fish, (from 1 to 1^, lbs..) shad, bass, gar, 
eel, (three varieties,) carp, herring, pike, perch, (four varie- 
ties,) catfish, mullet, (three varieties,) and smelt. The shad 
of the Potomac are of excellent quality. In the season they 
are ver}^ abundant, and may be seen caught on tlie Virginia 
shore opposite the city; also large quantities of herring are 
caught below the city. The laws of Maryland, as early as 
1768, provided for the protection of the fish. Subsequent 
acts placed a heavy penalty upon tlie destruction of young 
fish by weirs and dams, and to prevent beating witli cords or 
poles at certain seasons of the year. A species of sliark also 
ascends to the city. 

Herpetology. — There are about 50 species of reptiles. Of 
turtles and lizards there are several varieties. There are 
about 20 species of serpents, including the rattle, copperhead, 
black, garter, water, green snakes, and vipers. 

Climate. — The climate of the District of Columbia is gen- 
erally salubrious, though subject to sudden changes, particu- 
larly in spring The means for a series of years, compiled 
at tlie office of the Chief Signal Officer (Reports for the 
benefit of commerce), indicate these general conditions of the 
atmosphere: Mean temperature, minimum, 7° to 9° Fah- 
renheit, maximum, 95° to ]02'^.5; mean Barometer, min., 
29.08 to 29.35 inches, max., 30.63 to 30.82; Rain Fall, max., 
5.8 inches to 7.8 in. ; Prevailing winds, northwest. The 
hottest months are July and August, and the coldest De- 
cember and February. Sleighing is rare. In summer storms, 
attended with excessive lightning and thunder, are frequent. 
In the winter of 1874-5 navigation on the Potomac was 
entirely suspended for several weeks on account of the ice. 



RJElfER,!!: N CJffiS. 



^0 

of State. 
epartmenL 



tment. 
>artment. 
It Office. 

of Justice. 

of Agriculture 



18 Centre Market. 

19 Smithsonian Institution. 

20 Washington Monument. 

21 Statue, of Washington. 

22 Greenough's Washingto 
2j Statute of Jackson. 

24 Corcoran Gallery of Art. 

25 Botanical Garden. 

26 Magazines. 

27 Naval Hospital. 

28 Statue of Scott. 

29 Medical Museum. 

50 Government Printing Office. 

ji Winder's Building. 

32 Armory. 

J} Congressional Cemetery. 




WASHINGTON^ 

isrs. 

C0MPI/J5D EXPltESSI.Y lOK '^^^■O^'jili, 

KEIM'S HAIfD-BO?^^S umonmu^n 



WaiJiisgion aad its km 



VIRGINIA 



MARYLAND 






RJffi F ER, fL. N C K S 






'*:!.. 



^^iA,a^j-i^ 




I s;-.;'! 







VIRGINIA 






MARYLAND 



SECTION II. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY. 




i AVENUES, SQUAKES, STATUES, &c. 

HEEE are three points within the city from which 
■tJie finest views of Washington may be obtained: 
1st. The Dome of the Capitol. 2d. The West Por- 
tico of tlie Capitol, reached through the central liall 
of the Library of the United States. 3d. The higher 
of the north central towers of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution. Outside of the city the best points are from the 
tower of the Government Hospital for the Insane, beyond 
the Anacostia, and the portico of Arlington House, beyond 
the Potomac. The stranger should not fail to take advan- 
tage of at least one of these opportunities, and all would 
amply repay him. With the aid of this Hand-book and 
map he will thus be able to form a perfect idea of the city 
and the location of the principal public buildings. 

Topography. — The site of Washington covers an undulat- 
ing tract, which lies along the left or E. bank of the Potomac 
Kiver, between Rock Creek and the Anacostia, From the 
rugged elevations on the banks of Rock Creek a crescent- 
shaped ridge crosses the northern portions of the city. About 
two thirds its length it suddenly parts, to allow the fitful cur- 
rent of the Tiber through. From that point it rises and 
spreads out into the expansive plateau of Capitol Hill, which 
overlooks the Anacostia on the E. Within this encircling 
ridge the surface falls away in terraces and gentle slopes to 
the banks of the Potomac. In difterent parts of the city are 
eminences which afford commanding situations for the public 
buildings. 

From the lower falls of the Potomac at Georgetown, where 
the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge Mountains give the face 
of nature a somewhat rugged appearance, a chain of low, 
wooded hills range on the N., and continuing on the op- 
posite shores of the Anacostia and Potomac, merge again in 
the hills on the Virginia side. These give the appearance of 
a vast ampitheatre, in the centre of which stands tlie city. 

The mean altitude of the city is about 40 ft. above the or- 
15 



16 PLAN OF THE CITY. 

dinary low tide in the Potomac opposite. The more impor- 
tant elevations, according to levels taken by Brev. Lieut. Col. 
George W. Hughes, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 
1850, are as follows : 

Foundation of St. John's Church, ISTE. corner of 16th 
and H sts. oSTW., opposite Lafayette Square and the Presi- 
dent's House, 65.50 ft. 

Corner of I and 19th sts. IS'W., 82.10 ft. 

East base of Capitol, 89.50 ft. 

Base of Naval Observatory, 96.20 ft. 

Corner of N and 11th sts. NAV., (highest point in the city,) 
103.70 ft. 

The soil upon which the city is built is generally a yellow- 
ish clay, mixed with gravel. In digging wells near New Jer- 
sey av. trees well preserved were found at a depth of from 6 
to 48 ft. At one point a stratum of black mud was discov- 
ered at a depth of 18 ft. 

The Tiber — so named moi*e than a century before Wash- 
ington was founded, in the belief, it is said, that some day 
upon its banks would rise a capital greater than Kome, like 
its historic and larger namesake — runs through the city, di- 
viding it into two parts. Its fountain streams rise in the 
hills to the N., and enter the city in several brandies, the 
principal one in the vicinity of 1st st. W. ; it then pur.siies a 
SE. and S. course, till it crosses Massachusetts av., when it 
winds off to the SW. around the NW. base of Capitol Hill 
and across Pennsylvania av. and the Botanical Garden. 
Originally its course continued along the Mall and emptied 
into the Potomac immediately W. of the Washington Mon- 
ument. Subsequently it was diverted into the Washington 
Canal at 3d st. W., which followed the line of B st. N. along 
the N. borders of the Mall. The filling of the canal led to 
further changes. The Tiber and its tributaries have since 
been utilized by diverting them into the sewerage system of 
the central and southern portions of the city; hen(,'e, although 
the stream traverses one of the most populous sections, its 
course is not tj-aceable, the current flowing beneath heavj' 
brick arches, upon which buildings have been erected and 
avenues, streets, and parks laid out. In primitive days the 
banks of the Tiber were lined witli forests, and shad and her- 
ring in their season Avere caught in its waters, under the very 
shadow of the hill where the Capitol now stands. 

Plan of the City. — The plan of Washington was prepared 
in 1791 by Peter Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer of 
noticeable genius but eccentric habits, who had served in the 
Continental Army with sufticient distinction to attract tho 



PROrOSED EMBELLISHMENTS. 17 



attention of Wasliino;toii. In the work he was gieatly as- 
sistetl l)y the advice of Thomas Jefferson, who, when diplo- 
matic representative of the United States at foi-eig-n courts, 
had, witli an intuitive vision of the wants of tlie f ature, stud- 
ied the plans of the cities of Europe visited by him, and was 
competent and prepared, with the aid of plans and his per- 
sonal knowledice of their details, to contribute an invaluable 
amount of iiiffirmation on this important subject. The plan 
adopted combines the ai-tistic beauty and grace of Versailles 
and the practical advanta<^es of Babylon, revived by William 
Penn in Philadelphia. In the conception of the plan, the 
predominating- object was to secure positions for the different 
public edifices ; also squares and areas of different shapes, 
which would afford fine prospects. The avenues were in- 
tended to connect the most distant parts with certain princi- 
pal central points, to insure a reciprocity of views. Lines IS'. 
and S., intersected by others running E. and W., were to 
divide tlie city into streets and squares. Tliese lines were to 
be so combined as to intersect at certain given points anotlier 
set of divergent avenues, so as to form on the open spaces. 
Every grand transverse avenue and every principal divergent 
one, sucli as from the Capitol to the President's House, Avas 
to be 160 ft. wide, laid out with 10 ft. sidewalks and 30 ft. of 
gravel-walk, planted with trees on either side, and 80 ft. of 
carriageway in the centre. The other avenues and streets 
leading to public buildings or markets were to be 130 ft. wide, 
and others 110 and 90 ft'. 

Its Execution, — The site for the Capitol was determined 
upon as the initial point in execution of tliis plan. Tliat im- 
portant question having been decided, Mr. Ellicott drew a true 
meridian line by celestial observation, which passed tlu'ough 
the area intended for the Capitol. This he crossed by another, 
a due E. and W. line, which passed through the same area. 
These lines were accurately measured, and formed the basis 
on which the whole plan was executed. All these lines were 
run by a transit instrument, and the acute angles were deter- 
mined by actual measurement, leaving nothing to the uncer- 
tainty of the compass. The avenues and streets were then 
laid down. 

Proposed Embellisliments. — The ideas of the projectors not 
only contemplated a Federal City capable of great expan- 
sion, but also took in its creditable embellishment. Although 
the want of means and the general apathy of the Government 
and people allowed these suggestions to pass unrecognized, 
it is interesting to observe that the disgraceful and neglected 
condition of tlV, Capital of the United States for nearly three 
2 



18 TROPOSED EMBELLISHMENTS. 

quarters of a century was not owing to any imperfections in 
the original plans. Directly S. of the President's House, in 
the triangular space between the Mall and the Potomac and 
tlie mouth of tlie Tiber, wliere the untinished and Jieglected 
Obelisk to the memory of Washington lias stood for over a 
quarter of a century, was located tlie site for the Equestrian 
Statue of Washington^ voted by the Continental Congress in 
1783. On E. Capitol st._, between llth and 13th sts. E., and 
about the centre of the liigh plateau between the Capital and 
the Anacostia, where four avenues intersected, \vas laid out a 
spacious square, in whicli was to be erected a Historic Column, 
to be used also as a Mile or Itinerari/ Cohunn, from wliich sta- 
tion it was intended to calculate the distances to all places 
within the United States and on tlie continent. This column 
would have answered the purpose of the celebrated Niphon- 
Bass or Bridge of Japan, situated in tlie Soto-Siro, or outside 
of the castle in Yeddo. This bridge is considered as the cen- 
tre of the empire. From it tlie Tocaido extends to all parts 
of the empire, and geographical distances are computed. At 
the foot of 8th st. W., immediately on the banks of the Poto- 
mac, and commanding a fine view of the widening reach of 
the river below, was to be erected a Naval Itinerary Column^ 
to celebrate the first rise of the Xavy, and " to stand a ready 
monument to consecrate its progress and achievements." The 
crest of the knoll on which the'Patent Office now stands was 
set apart for a National Clmrch and Mausoleum^ designed for 
the use of the Government on occasions of public prayer, 
thanksgivings, state funei-als and orations, ancl for any other 
purpose national in character. Tlie edifice was to be assigned 
to the special use of no particular sect or denomination, but 
to be equally open to all. It was also to be the place for such 
monumental or other tributes of a grateful country voted by 
the then late Continental Congress for those heroes who fell 
in the cause of liberty, and for such others as miglit be decreed 
a place there by the voice of the nation. Also, Jive gi^and 
Fountains were to be erected at different prominent points: 
one S. of the Capitol, in the large irregular space formed by 
the intersection of Virginia and ISTortli and South Carolina 
avs.; one on Maryland av., at the intersection of F and llth 
sts. NE. ; one at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Lou- 
isiana avs., near the present site of the Centre Market; one 
on New York av., at the intersection of I st., between llth 
and 12th sts. I^W.; and one on the jS". side of Pennsylvania av., 
at the intersection of I st., between 20th and 21st sts. NW. 
It Avas proposed to supply these fountains from the spring* 
and streams within the limits of the city. Between the Capi- 
tol and the Botanical Garden it "was intended to construct k 



ORIGIN OF THE PLAN. 19 

Grand Cascade, to be fed from the Tiber. Between Pennsyl- 
vania and Mar.yland avs., from 3d st. W., a space of 1,200 
ft. was laid down as the main approacJi to the ""Federal 
House" or Capitol, and b}^ which it was intended to reach 
the upper square of the "Federal House."" The Mall was to 
form a grand avenue, 400 ft. wide and about 1 m. in length, 
bordered with gardens, to lead to the Equestrian Statue of 
Waslilngtoii, or where the Monument now stands, and 
to connect the "Congress Garden with the President's 
Park." On E. Capitol st., which was to be 160 ft. wide 
to the proposed bridge across the Anacostia, the pavement 
on each side was to pass under archways, with shops. On 
the S. of the President's Park was to' be a well-improved 
^' Field, 1,800 ft. wide and f m. long," part of the " Walk" 
from the President's House. This spacious reservation was 
designed for the more elegant houses and gardens of the city, 
to be used by diplomatic ov other foreign representatives and 
prominent officials of the United States. Fifteen squares in 
the more conspicuous parts of the city were to be distributed 
among the States in the Union, for tliem to improve, or to 
subscribe a sum in addition to the value of the land for that 
purpose. The States were to embellish these squares within 
a limited time, by the erection of some appropriate statue, 
column, obelisk, or other appropriate mark, as they might 
determine, to the memory of the heroes of the Ke volution. " to 
hispire the young," and designed to "leave a grand idea of 
patriotic interest." Other designated points were to be set 
apart for the erection, by the different denominations, of 
edifices for religions worship, ISTo burial places were to be 
allowed within the limits of the city. Also squares and areas 
unappropriated were to be assigned for the uses of colleges 
and other institutions. All dwellings or other structures 
were to be built in accordance with certain regulations, so as 
to preserve uniformity. 

Origin of the Plan.— The resemblance between the plans 
of L'Enfant for Washington and L'Xotre for Versailles will 
be apparent to any one who has visited the capital of the 
Western Kepublic and the magnificent royal residence of 
the kings of France. The grand avenues de Sceaux and do 
St. Cloud, diverging from the Cour Royale, are reproduced 
in Pennsylvania and Maryland avs., radiating from the E. 
front of the Capitol ; E. Capitol st. is the Avenue de Paris; 
the Boulevard du Roi and the AUee du Potager in N. and 
S. Capitol sts. ; and the Alices de la Reine, de Noisy, des 
Paons, and de la Reine, which diverge from the E. extrem- 
ity of the Grand Canal, near the Basin d'Apollon, with the 



20 A RETROSPECT. 

omission of AUee de la Reine to the SAV., respectively, in 
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and I^^ew York avs. W. of the 
President's House. The missing avenue in the plan of 
Washington, the continuation of Vermont av., would have 
completed the resemblance, but for the interference of na- 
ture : the Potomac and the mouth of the Tiber standing 
in the way of the extension SW. of the President's House. 
Other strilving features of the design of Versailles are observ- 
able. Washington, however, having in view the practical as 
well as the beautiful, might be said" to combine the plans of 
two cities. The streets running at right angles have a regard 
for the facilities of business. While over these, with an eye 
to beautiful prospects and the advantageous display of the 
centres of attraction, at long ranges are laid the broad ave- 
nues, carrefours^ allees, and lawns of the imperial retreat at 
Versailles. 

A Eetrospect. — Though the city was originally laid out on 
a scale adequate to the necessities of a metropolis of more than 
half a million inhabitants, and with the proper regard for the 
adornment of the Capital of a great people in the future, the 
crude ideas entertained by subsequent statesmen respecting 
the political status of the Federal Territory and city were ad- 
verse to any expenditure other than to establish there a sim- 
ple place of meeting for the representatives of the States — a 
sort of central agency, where the President and Executive 
officers might be stationed, and where Congress might come 
once a year or of tener, as the exigencies of the times required, 
to transact the business intrusted to them by the Constitu- 
tion — mainly to pass laws, appropriate money, levy taxes, 
declare war, ratify treaties, and confu-m nominations. This 
class, then in the ascendancy, found it impossible, or were un- 
willing, to see anything national in the foundation of a Fed- 
eral Capital, and consequent!}^ opposed every measure look- 
ing beyond the mere provision of accommodations for the 
public offices. To build a capital in every sense symbolic 
and worthy of the Union was entirely foreign to their inter- 
pretation of the meaning of that portion of the Constitution 
which gave Congress the po^^'er to accept and exercise exclu- 
sive jnrisdiction over a Territory to be solely x*evoted to the 
uses of the nation for tlie purposes of the Government. These 
notions, it would seem, were a revival of a practice in Ger- 
many centuries ago. On the left bank of the Rhine, imme- 
diately below the ancient village of Rhense, on the very brink 
of the stream, and apart from the habitations of men. is still 
to be seen the famous though rude rostrum or temple known 
as tlie Koenigsstuhl. It consists of stone seats, within a small 



RESERVATIONS. 



21 



circular wall, and overhead entirely open to the air. Here, 
in the earlier ages, the German electors assembled to deliber- 
ate upon tlie affairs of the empire, to perform acts for the 
common good, to make treaties, and to nominate or depose 
the emperors. Washington, by the class alluded to, was 
viewed in the light of the Koenigsstuhl of tlie United States. 
More mature thought, however, at last brought the people to 
look upon their capital as the political metropolis of tlie United 
States. This enlightened view is recent, dating no further 
back than 1861. It was not till 1870 that the marcli of nmch- 
iiceded improvement commenced. Witli this new state of 
affairs the Capital is annually becoming more Avorthy of the 
gi-eatness of the Republic of forty millions of people. 

Reservations. — In the plan of tlie city a liberal allo\va^ice 
of space was selected and marked out in the most desirable 
localities for tlie sites of public buildings, parks, and for other 
purposes of the Government. These grounds were called res- 




ervations, and were numbered from 1 to 17, with an aggregate 
area of 541 acres, 1 rood, 29 perches. Those still possessed 
by the Government — several having been sold or granted 
away since — are designated on the maps by their original 
numbers, but are popularly called after the principal build- 



22 RESERVATIONS. 

iu^ dtuated on them, or from' the uses to which assigned, as 
follows : 

1. The President's Grounds include the N. and S, 
Parks and Lafayette Square^ extend from H st. on the N. 
to the mouth of Tiber Creek on the S., and fi-om 15th to 17th 
sts. W., with the exception of a square in the NE. and KW. 
angles. On these grounds are tlie President's House, con- 
servatories, and stables, flanked on the E. by the Treasury 
Department, and on the W. by tlie State, War, and Navy 
Departments. The former now building. Total area of 
grounds, 83 a. 1 r. 22 p. 

2. The Capitol Grounds include the E. and W. Parks 
and the Mall, extending from 1st st. E. to the prolongation 
of loth St. W., and between B sts. N. and S., with the excep- 
tion of a narrow connecting strip between 3d and 6th sts. W. 
This deficient portion of the Mall in 1822 was granted by Con- 
gress to the municipal corporation, to be sold in lots, to pay 
the expense of removing the old canal from its location on 
the S. side of Pennsylvania av., between 3d and 6tli sts. W., 
to the middle of the Mall. On these grounds are the Capitol, 
Botanical Garden, the Smithsonian institution, and the Ag- 
ricultural Department. Total area of grounds originally, 
227 a. r. 8 p. Under authority of Congress, in 1872, squares 
No. 687 and 688, in tlie NE. and SE. angles of the E. Park, 
were purchased and thrown into the grounds. 

3. The Park extends from the W. line of the Mall, on loth 
St. W., to the banks of the Potomac, and is separated from 
the S. gardens of the President's Grounds by B st. N., form- 
erly the line of the Tiber Creek and the Washington Canal. 
The old channel of tlie Tiber entered the Potomac on the 
NW. border of this reservation. These grounds are occupied 
by the Washington Monument and the Government Nurse- 
ries. Total area, 29 a. 3 r. 9 p. 

4. The University Square extends from E st. N. to the 
banks of the Potomac, and between 23d and 25th sts. NW. 
On these grounds is the Naval Observatory. Total area, 21 
a. r. 18 p. 

5. The Arsenal. Grounds, foot of 4^ st. W., originally 
included the point of land at the confluence of the Anacostia 
and Potomac, from Greenleaf 's Point to T st. S., and between 
the mouth of James Creek and the line of 3d st. W. to the Po- 
tomac. Total area, 28 a. 2 r. 31 p. This reservation in 1857 
was extended by the purchase of the land between the line 
of the canal into James Creek and W. to the Potomac and 
N. to P St. S. 

6. The West Market Square, on the Potomac, at the 
foot of 20th and 21st sts. W. covered with water. 



R E SER VATI O N S . ^3 

7. The Centre Market Square, between the point of 
intersection of Pennsylvania and Louisiana avs. on the N. 
and B st. N. on the S., and from 7th to 9th sts. W. Total 
area, 2 a. 3 r. 29 p. This reservation in 1860 was granted to 
the corporation for the nse originally designed, and is occu- 
pied by the principal market in the city. 

8. The National Church Square, between 7th and 
9th sts. W. and F and G sts. N., now occupied by the Patent 
Office. Area, 4 a. r. 22 p. 

9. Judiciary Square, between the intersection of Indi- 
ana and Louisiana avs. on the S. and G st. Jn". on the N. and 
4th and 5th sts. W., occupied by the City Hall and Jail, Area, 
19 a. 1 r. 27 p. In 1819 a portion of this reservation was 
granted by Congress to the corporation for a Town House or 
City Hall. In 1845 another portion was granted foj* Public 
School purposes. 

10. Reservation ]S[. of Pennsylvania av., between 3d 
and 4^ sts. W., in 1822, was granted by Congress to the cor- 
poration, to be sold in lots, to pay for the removal of the canal, 
which then ran along the S. side of Pennsylvania av. to the 
centre of the Mall, from 3d to 6th sts. W., and to fill up the low 
grounds in that vicinity. Total area, 6 a. r. 31 p. 

11. Reservation between B and C sts. X. and 2d and 
3d sts. W. Total area, 3 a. 2 r. 34 p. Disposed of same as 
reservation 'No. 10. 

12. Reservation N. of Pennsylvania av., between 2<i 
and 3d sts. W. Total area, 1 a. 1 r. 4 p. Disposed of same 
as reservations Xos. 10 and 11. 

13. HosPiTAX. Square, from the Anacostia to 19th st. E. 
and between B and G sts. S. Total area, 77 a. r. 26 p. On 
this square stands the Magazine, Alms House, and new Jail. 

14. The Navy Yard, bounded by M st. S. on the N., 
the Anacostia on the S., and lies between the continuation of 
6th and 9th sts. E. Total area, 12 a. 3 r. 15 p. On these 
grounds are the buildings, docks, ship-houses, and works of 
the Washington Navy Yard. 

15 and 16. Eastern Market House Squares, near the 
Navy Yard. These reservations were granted by Congress 
to the municipal corporation for the purpose stated. Area, 
No. 15, 1 a. r. 21 p. ; No. 16, 1 a. r. 23 p. 

17. Town House Square, the irregular space S. of the 
Capitol, between S. Capitol st. and 3d st. E. and E and H 
sts. S., intersected by New Jersey and Virginia avs. Total 
area, 21 a. 1 r. 29 p. 

The aggregate area of the public reservations in the city, 
deducting those disposed of, correction of errors, and modifi- 
cations, is 513 acres. 



24 AVENUES. 

Ill 1812 the President of the United States was authorized 
to take possession of the whole of the public reservations, and 
to lease them out for not exceeding ten years, on such terms 
and conditions as in his judgment might best effect their im- 
provement for walks, botanic gardens, or other public pur- 
poses. 

A detailed description of the reservations occupied by the 
Government will be found in connection with the public 
buildings or their other designating feature . 

Avenues. — The avenues and streets nave an aggregate 
length of 264 m. — avenues 65 m., street.- 199 m. — and are of 
greater width than those of any other city in tlie world. 
With tlie alleys and open spaces at intersections they cover 
2,554 a., or about two thirds of the area of the entire city. 
The ratio of street areas to areas of three of the principal 
cities in the United States and the same number in Europe 
is : Paris, France, 25.8 per cent. ; Berlin, Prussia, 26.4 per 
cent. ; Boston, United States, 26.7 per cent. ; Philadelphia, 
United States, 29.8 per cent. ; ISTew York, United States, 
35.3 per cent. ; Vienna, Austria, 35.8 per cent. ; Washing- 
ton, United States, 41.8 per cent. The carriageways of the 
avenues and streets are well laid, with a variety of pavements, 
amounting to over 115 m. I^ov. 1, 1872, in the following pro- 
portions :"Wood, 34.71 m. ; round block, 5.05 m. ; compound 
wood and concrete, 0.87 m. ; concrete, 16.34 m. ; Belgian and 
granite, 4.01 m. ; cobblestone, 6.76 m.; macadamized, 8.08 
m. ; graveled and roads, mostly in the county, 39.22 m. : 
total, 115.54 m. Cost, $4,081,716 78. At the time of going 
to press 50 m. were in course of completion. This length 
is computed on the basis of an assumed width of 32 ft. The 
improved styles of pavements have been laid on principal 
thoroughfares of business and pleasure and on the avenues 
and streets occupied bj^ the better class of residences. The 
cobblestone, in streets less traveled, mostly south of Penn- 
sylvania av. The McAdam is but little used within the city, 
owing to the dust, but is extensively employed on the high- 
ways traversing the rm-al districts within the Territory. 
Originally there were 13 avs., named after the States in the 
Union when the city was laid out. Otliers on the first plan, 
but undesignated, were named after States subsequently ad- 
mitted, though not in the order of their admission. There 
are now 21 avs., nineteen varying from 120 to 160 ft. wide, 
and two 85 ft. wide, radiating from principal centres or con- 
necting different parts of the city. 

From THE Capitol — 

Delawabe av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' E. to Boundary 



AVENUES. 25 

New Jersey av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' W. to Boimdaiy. 

:Maryland av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 25' E. to Boundary. 

Pennsylvania av., 160 ft. wide, S. 62° 27' E. to Anacostia. 

Tliese same avs. are continued beyond tlie point of inter- 
section, and form tlie corresponding radiation on the S. and 
W. Maryland av., W. of Capitol, N. 70° 22' E. The inter- 
mediate broad streets intersecting at right-angles are N"., E., 
and S. Capitol sts. 

Fi-om THE President's House— 

IS'EW York av., 130 ft. wide, N. 66° 9' E. to Boundary. 

Vermont av., 130 ft. wide, N. 24° 31^' E. to Boundary. 

Connecticut av., 130 ft. wide, N. 24° 31^' W. to Bound- 
ary. 

Pennsylvania av., 130 ft. wide, N. 66 W. to Eock Creek 
and Georgetown. 

These same avenues are continued from the centre of inter- 
section at the President's House, and form the corresponding 
radiation on the SE. and SW. 

Pennsylvania av., from the President's House to the Capi- 
tol, is 160 ft. wide, and runs S. 70^ 33' 30" E. :N'ew York 
av., W. of President's House, is 160 ft. wide, and runs S. 
70=^ 27' ^V. 

From Lincoln Square, E. of the Capitol — 

Tennessee av., 120 ft. wide, N. 32^25' E. to Boundary. 

North Carolina av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 30' E . to Bound- 
ary. 

^Massachusetts av., 160 ft. wide, S. 62^26' E. to Hospital 
Square. 

Kentucky av., 120 ft. S. 33^ E. to the Anacostia. 

Tennessee and Kentucky avs. start here, while Massachu- 
setts and North Carolina avs. intersect and cross, forming 
the corresponding diverging avs. on the W. 

Under the old corporation, with the exception of a few 
spasmodic attempts, as the necessities of an increased popu- 
lation became urgent, no efforts were made to improve the 
avenues, streets, and spaces. For a half a centurj^ Pennsyl- 
vania av. was the only improved thoroughfare. An act of 
Congress, approved April 6, 1870, authorized the corporation 
to set apart one half the width of any or all the avenues and 
streets under its jurisdiction for parking, leaving a roadway 
of not less than 35 ft. width in the centre, or two such road- 
ways on each side of the park, should tiiat be placed in the 
centre. Pennsylvaitia and Indiana avs. and 4^ st. W., be- 
tween the City Hall and Pennsylvania av., were excluded 
from this arrangement. On July 8, of the same year. Con- 
gress anthorized the paving of Pennsylvania av. at the Gov- 
ernment expense . Under the Board of Public Works, created 



26 DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 

under the organic act of 1871 of the District, the improvement 
of the tlioroLiofhfares of the city was systematicallj'^ under- 
taken. A plaii of grades was adopted, to which all avenues 
and streets were made to conform. This gave a regularity 
and finish which do not fail to strike the eye with pleasing 
effect. 

Description of Avenues.— The broad thoroughfares are 
among tlie principal attractions of the jS'ational Capital, and 
the finest possessed by any city in the world. A drive upon 
them, especially of an evening, when thronged with hand- 
some equipages, aflbrds a truly'enjoyable recreation. 

Pennsylvania av. is not only the principal, but also one of 
the two longest in the city. It is, however, twice interrupted 
in its continuity — by the President's House and Capitol. Its 
width varies from 130 to 160 ft. It is about 4^ m. in length, 
from Georgetown and Rock Creek to the Anacostia, and is the 
main line of communication across the oStj. Along its route 
are the Washington Circle^ the ]Farand Treasury Departments^ 
and Presidents House. From 17th to loth sts. the avenue pre- 



presidest's house, 1870. 

sents a particularly fine prospect, passing between the North 
Park of the Presidents Grounds^ in front of which is a side- 
walk 34^ ft. wide, and Lafayette Square. From 15th st. W. to 
the Capitol it traverses the entire length of the finest business- 
quarter and the fashionable drive. It thence winds up and 
around the hill surmounted by the Capitol., and continues to 
its terminus on the banks of the Anacostia. At the foot of 
8th St. E., leaving this avenue, is the Navy Yard. Pennsyl- 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 27 

vaiiia av. was also the earliest used. In 1800 it was opened 
and rudely drained from the Capitol to Georgetown. During 
the administration of Jefferson, from the Capitol to tlie Pres- 
ident's House it was laid out in three ]-oadways. A row of 
Lombardy poplars was planted between the centre or main 
roadway and that on either side. A flafij-stone foot walk alsa 
ran from the Capitol to Georgetown. In 1825 tlie sidewalk 
on the S. side was paved with stone from the Capitol to tlie 
Navy Department. In 1832 the trees were cut down, the 
curbs extended, and a drained macadamized roadway, 45 ft. 
wide in the centre, laid out. The "centre strip," howevei', 
was not entirely completed till 1849, and then was sliaded 
with elms, maples, and "trees of heaven." In 1842 it was 
lighted with lamps from the Capitol to the President's House ;: 
subsequently it ^^'as paved witli cobblestones, and so remained 
till 1870. 

Massachusetts Avenue is the longest unbroken in the 
city, being over 4^ m. It begins at the NW. Boundary, 
at '22d St. W. ; is 160 ft. wide, and extends to the Ana- 
costia SE., intersecting Xew Hampshire aud Connecticut 
avs. at 19th and P sts. NW., forming tlie F-street Circle; 
Vermont av. at 14th and M sts. NW., forming the Fourteenth- 
street Circle; Xew Yorkav. at 8th and K sts. NW., at Mount 
Vernon Flace; New Jersey av. at 1st and G sts. NW. ; Del- 
aware av., between E and F sts. NE. ; Maryland av. and 5th 
and C sts. NE. at Stanton Flace; Tennessee, North Caro- 
lina, and Kentucky avs. and E. Capitol and 12th sts. E. at 
Lincoln Square^ and thence to the Hospital Grounds on the 
Anacostia. 

This avenue is the most beautiful in the city, gi-adually 
rising to an elevation considerably above the surrounding 
heights, from which it descends in easy gradation to the mid- 
dle of the broad intermediate valley, and rises again on the 
east. On its route are the finest circles and squares. The 
roadway is in the centre, while on either side are brick side- 
walks and plots of grass. From Rock Creek this avenue is 
paved with concrete, and from that point to New Jersey av. 
wood pavement. Beyond it is ungraded. 

Vermont and Connecticut Avenues, 130 ft. wide, 
extending respectively NE. and NW. from the N. side of 
Lafayette Square, pass through two of the most attractive 
portions of the city. 

New York Avenue, 130 ft. wide, is a fine thoroughfare^ 
It begins at the Potomac and runs across the city in a NE. 
direction. From the Treasury Department it is parked in 
the centre, with a fine vista of young trees. 

Maryland Avenue, 160 ft. wide, extends NE. acres* 



28 DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 

the city from Long Bridge to the Baltimore Turnpike. SW. 
of the Capitol it is used for railroad purposes. 

N^EW Jersey and Delaware Avenues, 160 ft. wide, 
"begin respectively at the Anacostia and the Arsenal Grounds, 
and run NW. and NE. to the Boundary, crossing each other 
at the Capitol. 

Georgia Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the Arsenal 
<3 rounds and runs NE., near and parallel to the Anacostia, 
striking it for a short distance W. of the l^avy Yard, and ter- 
minates at the Hospital Grounds. 

South Carolina Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at Kes- 
€rvation No. 17, S. of the Capitol, runs 'N'E., and terminates 
in Massachusetts av. 

Virginia Avenue, 120 ft. wide, begins near the mouth 
of Eock Creek and runs SE., crossing Kew Hampshire and 
New York avs., to the Potomac, near the SW. corner of the 
President's Grounds. On the S. boundary of the Mall, at 
12th St., it resumes, the width being 160 ft., and terminates 
at the Anacostia, crossing Maryland av., Keservation No. 17, 
and Georgia av. 

Ehode Island Avenue, 130 ft. wide, starts at Connect- 
icut av. and M st. N., runs NE., intersecting Massachusetts 
av. at 16th and N sts. NW. ; Vermont av. at 13tli and P sts. 
NW., to the Boundar5^ 

New Hampshire Avenue starts at the Potomac, be- 
tween E and F sts. N. ; is 120 ft. wide, and runs NE., crossing 
Virginia av., 23d and P-street Circles, to the Boundary. 

Louisiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, 
runs SW. to Central Market Square, crossing Pennsylvania 
avenue. 

Indiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, 
runs SE. to 1st st. W. In 1850 it was improved from the City 
Hall. 

Missouri and Maine Avenues, 85 ft. wide, begin at the 
'E. line of the Mall at 6th st. W. : run respectivelj^ SE. and 
NE. to 3d St. W., the western limit of the Botanical Garden. 

Ohio Avenue beg-ins at the E. line of the S. Park of the 
President's Grounds at C st. N. ; runs SE. to Centre Market 
:Square. 

North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky Ave- 
nues, in the E. part of the city, are but little built upon. 

All these avenues are more or less improved by the laying 
of stone, concrete, wood, cobble, or Belgian pavements, or 
macadamized or graveled roads, with parking. 

Executive Avenue, the construction of which began in 
1871, begins at Pennsylvania av. E . and W. of the President's 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 29 

House, and opposite loj and 16^ sts. W. The W. entrance& 
each consist of 6 massive granite gate-posts, upon which are 
swung iron gates. The avenue encloses a portion of the Pres- 
ident's Grounds on tlie E. and W., and on the opposite sides 
are tlie Treasury Department E., and the War and Navy De- 
partment and the edifice now building for the joint use of 
tlie State, War, and Navy Departments W. A granite stair- 
case, 20 ft. wide, with a fountain at the foot of the E. one, is 
built in the terrace on either side of the President's House, 
completing communication by the gravel walks leading to the 
E xecutive Departments . The sidewalks are richly paved and 
well lighted. Passing S. of the President's House, on either 
side, at the prolongation of E st. N".., the two wings of tlieav. 
form a semi-circle, the two extremities uniting opposite the S. 
Portico of the President's House, and proceed in a broad sin- 
gle line due S. to B st. N., where the av. enters the Park or 
Monument Grounds, and joins the beautiful Drive, commenced 
in 1872, connecting the President's and Capitol Grounds. 

The Drive. — Leaving the S. terminus of Executive av.» 
the Drive, consisting of a graveled roadway of 35 ft., planted 
on either side with trees, sweeps along the banks of the Po- 
tomac on the right, affording a superb view of the expansive 
bosom of the river N., till lost behind the hill crowned by the 
Naval Observatorj^, and S. as far as the Long Bridge. On the 
left is a Lake, in course of completion, covering 3 a., fed by a 
spring on its SE . border and the waters of the Potomac. With- 
in a small enclosure, about 100 yds. W. of the Washington 
Monument, and on the left, near the av., is a gray freestone, 
a little over 2 ft. in heiglit, whicii marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia, as laid out in 1791-'92. The Drive now 
winds around the Monument. On the S. may be seen the 
green-houses and plants of the Government Propagating Gar- 
den. The wooden buildings, still standing on the hill near 
by and used as Government hospitals and hj the Commissary 
Department of the United States Army 1861-'65, are now 
occupied for blacksmith-shops, tools, and storage by the 
Eng, in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. "I'lie Drive 
enters 14tli st. W. nearly opposite the entrance of the Agricul- 
tural Grounds, and connects with the carriage waj^'s of that 
beautiful reservation. At this point also commences the Mall. 
Prior to 1816 this attractive portion of the public grounds 
was covered with majestic oal<s, which were cut down about 
that year, under the stipulation in tlie agreement of tlie Com- 
missioners with the original proprietors that the latter should 
be entitled to the wood on the lands. Even the trees which 
cast a grateful shade over a refreshing spring at the foot of 
Capitol Hill, near Pennyslvania av., were thus destroyed. 



30 STREETS. 

Orossiiig 12th st. W., the drive enters the quiet retreat of the 
Smithso7iian Institution; and leaving this at 7tli st., enters 
Armory Square^ so named from the Armory of the District 
Militia located on the S. portion, and talvcs a windini^ course 
to 6th St. W. This portion of the roadway is 1,300 ft. long, 
■and will cross the traclv of the Baltimore and Potomac Rail- 
road at 6th St. W. on an ornamental iron bridge, witli a 40 
it. roadway and 12 ft. sidewalk on either side, to be con- 
structed by that company in compliance with tlie act of Con- 
gress. From 6th st. the Drive continues through the reserva- 
tion to 4 J St. W., and thence W. to the line of 3d st. W., 
terminating opposite the W. entrance to tlie Botanical Gar- 
den. It is proposed to extend the Drive across the garden, 
so as to complete the connection with the Capitol Grounds 
without leaving the line of the Mall, thus carrying out the 
original plan of the city, which contemplated a walk and 
drive between the President's House and the Capitol. The 
Drive, in connection with the roads of the Agricultural and 
Smithsonian grounds, is nearly 2 m. in length. 

Streets.— The streets of the city run from N. to S. and E. 
to W., crossing at right angles. The streets running IST. and 
S. are designated numerically and by the words E. or W., 
according to their positions with respect to the Capitol, which 
is the dividing point — as 1st st. E. of the Capitol, or 1st st. 
W. of the Capitol, and so on. The streets running E. and 
W. are designated by the letters of the alphabet and by the 
word l!^. or S., according as they are situated N". or S. of the 
Capitol, the dividing point — as A st. IST., A st. S., which are 
the first streets N. and S. of the Capitol, and so on. The 
streets E. of the Capitol number from 1st to 31st St., includ- 
ing the seven subject to overflow, and W. from 1st to 2Sth W. 

The lettered streets run to W st. IST. and to V st. S. The 
limit of the city inland, or on the N., is known as Boundary 
Street, 

To avoid confusion, the city is divided into 4 quarters or 
sections— :N'E. and NW., SE. and SW. jS". and S. Capitol 
sts., running on a JST. and S. line from the Capitol and E. 
Capitol St., and the prolongation of the same replaced by the 
Mall, running at right angles, constitute the dividing lines. 
The streets vary in width from 70 to 160 ft., and are paved, 
macadamized, or graveled, according to their importance. 

The avenues and streets are numbered after the plan 
adopted in Philadelphia ; that is, 100 numbers to each square, 
commencing E. or W. and jST. or S. of the Capitol. For in- 
stance, 100 would be the first number beyond 1st st., and 
200 beyond 2d to 3d st., and so on, the intermediate numbers 



RENOMENCLATURE. 



31 



ending in the block. The same rule is adopted for lettered 
streets and avenues. 

Principal Streets.— E. Capitol Street, 160 ft. wide, ex- 
tending ni front of the Central Portico of the Capitol E. to 
the Anacostia, was originallj^ designed to be the chief street 
of the capital. 

N^. and S. Capitol Streets, each 130 ft. wide, and re- 
ceive their designation from the direction they take with 
respect to the Capitol as the centre. These streets lie on the 
Jirst meridian or longitude for the United States, as laid do^vn 
by EUicott, 1791. 

K Street X., tlie longest unbroken lettered street, is 148 
ft. wide, and extends from Rock Creek to the Anacostia. It 
is one of the most beautiful tlioroughfares of the city, and on 
much of its length is bounded on eitlier side by fine residences. 

16th Street W. is 160 ft. wide, and extends from Lafay- 
ette Square, opposite the N. Portico of the President's House, 
due J^. to the Boundary. It presents a fine prospect. 

Boundary Street follows on the line of the city limits, 
from tiie intersection of Maryland av., 15th, and H sts. NE., 
to Rock Creek on the W. 

There are a few streets which are not part of the general 
plan of the city. These vary from 40 to 65 ft. in widtli. 

Eenomenclature. — It is proposed to abolish the present sys- 
tem of nomenclature of the streets w^ith duplicate letters and 
luimbers. This plan is not only extremely confusing to stran- 
gers, but embarrassing and a source of great inconvenience 
to residents. The proposed renomenclature contemplates for 
streets running N. and S. a system of consecutive numbers, 
beginning at 28th st. W., which would be 1st st., and termi- 
nating at^olst St. E., which would be 60th St., the additional 
street necessary to malvc up that aggregate being 4} st. W. 
or 21st St. First sts. W. and E. at tlie Capitol would be 29th 
and 30th sts. respectively. ^N". and S. Capitol sts. would re- 
tain their present names. It is also proposed to adopt for the 
streets running E. and W. a nomenclature wliich would re- 
quu-e no alteration in the letters, selecting for each the name 
of some citizen eminent in the service of the Government or 
in private life, the initial letter to correspond with the letter 
which now designates the street. For instance: 

Streets North of the CV/ptYo/— Adams, Benton, Clay or Clin- 
ton, Douglas, Everett, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Jetfer- 
son, Kent, Lincoln, Marshall, Nelson, Otis, Peabody, Quincy, 
Randolph, Story, Tompkins, Upshur, Van Buren, and Web- 
ster. 

Streets Soidh of the Capitol— Anderson, Bainbrldge, Chaiin- 



32 SEWERS. 

cey, Decatur, Ellsworth, Farragut, Grant, Harrison, Jackson, 
Knox, Lawrence, Marion, IS'ash or ISTicholson, Overton, Per- 
ry, Quitman, Roclgers, Scott, Taylor, Union, Van Xess, and 
Warren. 

Parking. — The street parks and sidewalks of the avenues 
and streets are generally planted with trees possessing- the 
merits of stateliness and symmetry of growtli, expansive foli- 
age, early spring verdure, variety of colors in autumn, healthi- 
ness, cleanliness, and vigorous and rapid growth. The varie- 
ties used are the silver^maple, American linden, European 
sycamore maple, American elm, tulip tree, sugar maple, sweet 
gum, red maple, j^orway maple, negundo, American ash, 
buttonwood, oaks, and European ash and linden. The trees 
are usually planted 40 feet apart. The American white elm 
has been planted on E. Capitol st. The supply is kept up 
from the reserve Nursery on the banlcs of the Anacostia in 
the grounds S. of the Alms House, where there is constant!}^ 
a stock of upwards of 20,000 plants from 2 to 9 feet in height. 
In 1873, 6,000 young trees were planted. All are carefully 
boxed, and at intervals watered and pruned : the latter in or- 
der to preserve uniformity of growth. Tlie narrow road^A'ays 
and side or centre parking of the wider avenues and streets 
overcome their barren appearance, and adds vastly to tlie 
adornment of the capital. 

Quarters. — The arrangement of the streets with respect to 
the Capitol, as we liave^seen, divides the city into 4 sections. 
The NortJiwest Quarter constitutes the finest portions of the 
capital, embracing the President's House, all the Departments 
and Foreign Legations, the principal business establishments, 
fashionable residences and squares. The Southwest Quarter^ 
formerly known as "the Island,*' from its separation from the 
rest of the city by the Washington Canal, now filled, is gen- 
erally the quarter of persons of moderate means. In it are 
also the wliarves. The Northeast Quarter is the same as the 
SW. The Southeast Quarter, with a small portion of the XE., 
is known as " Capitol Hill," from the Capitol, which stands 
on the W. brow. It was intended, originally, to make it by 
art what it is by nature — the finest portion of the city. It has 
many attractions, and promises, in time, to compete with the 
magnificence of the West End. 

Sewers, — The cities of Washington and Georgetown, for 
the purpose of sewerage and drainage, are divided into 5 sec- 
tions. 1st. Georgetown, embracing the limits of that city. 
2d. Slash Run, beginning at the iiitersection of Rock Creek 
and K st. ^W. ; thence along K to 21st N\V. ; along 21st to 
I St. N. ; along I to 17th W. ; along 17th to H st. :N". ; along 



SEWERS. 33 

il to IGth W.; along IGtli to I st. N". ; along I to loth AV. ; 
along loth to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14tii W. ; 
along 14th to Bonndary; along Bonndaiy to Rock Creek; 
along Rock Creek to beginning. 3d. The intermediate sec- 
tion, beginning at the intersection of Rock Creek andK st. 
NW. ; thence along K to 21st ]SrW. ; thence along 21st to I st. 
KW.; thence along I to 19th 1^^V. to G st. KW. ; thence 
along G to the Potomac River ; along Potoiiiac River and Rock 
Creek to the beginning. 4th. The intercepting section, be- 
ginning at the intersection of Potomac River and G st. NW. ; 
thence along G to 19th NW.; thence along 19th to I st. NW. ; 
along I to 17th ; along 17th to H st. X. ; along H to 16th W. ; 
along 16th to I st. N". ; along I to loth W. ; along loth to Ver- 
mont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. ; along 14th to IST 
st. N". ; along IST to Vermont av; along Vermont av. to O st. 
N. ; along O to 7th jSTW. ; along 7th to B st. N". ; along B to 
6th W. ; along 6th to B st. S. • along B to Potomac River; 
along Potomac River following the borders of stream to be- 
ginning, oth. The Tiber Basin, beginning at intersection of 
Boundary and 14th st. W. ; along 14th to X st. I^. ; along 'N 
to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to O st. I^. ; along O to 
7th W. ; along 7th to B st. K. ; along B to 6th W. ; along 6th 
to B St. S. ; along B to Potomac River ; along Potomac River 
to the Anacostia; along the Anacostia to C st. KE.; along 
C to loth E. ; along 15th to Boundary; along Boundary to 
beginning. 

The sewerage of the city formerly drained into the canal, 
which crossed the city from the Anacostia to the Potomac S. 
of the President's Grounds. From 3d to loth st. W. it ran 
directly in front of the Capitol, and separated the beautiful 
grounds on the Mall from the rest of the city. This open mass 
of filth and disease was filled in 1872. 

The B-street Intercepting Seiver^ 1 m. in length and 12 
ft. in diameter, was constructed in place of the canal. The 
main branch empties into the Potomac at the foot of 17th 
St. W. One of the largest sewers in the world is the Tiber- 
creek Seiver, so named from the stream whicli flows through 
it. It is a brick arch 24 to 30 ft. span, and 15 ft. hio'h, and 
drains the entire city E of 6th st. W.— about 3,000 acws. Its 
outlet is at the Tiber arch, near the W. entrance to the Botan- 
ical Garden, on 3d st. W., into Avhich the smaller branch of the 
int<*rsecting or canal sewer from 7th st. W. empties. The line 
of this great sewer, fi^om its moutli. passes under the Botan- 
ical Garilen and Pennsvlvania av. X. to E st. IST. at its junc- 
tion with ^. Capitol St., which it follows to K st. N. The 
portion from H to K st. is now under construction. The 
destination of this sewer is the Boundary, reached along K 
3 



34 SQUARES. 

St. N. to 1st St. E. ; thence by tlie latter. When completed, it 
will be 2 m. in lenoth. Branch sewers of 9 ft. each are beinij; 
built out from 3cl st. NW. and F st. :N'E.. From the Tiber 
arch a large sewer extends SE. Tlie Slasli-run Sewer ^ ^ m. 
long. 10 ft. span, named after the natural watercourses which 
enter the city in several branches on its IST W. boundary, empties 
into Bock Creek. A 9-ft. conduit sewer is also being built 
along Boundary st., in the XE. part of the city, as supple- 
mentary to the Tiber-basin system. Small tile and pipe sew- 
ers convey the sewerage of streets and dwellings into the 
general system. There are about 10 m. of main sewerage, 
including 5 m. of brick sewers, from 4 to 9 ft. in diameter, 
and 80 m. of tile and pipe. 

^:qIlares, — In addition to the ^-rounds attached to the public 
buildings, and which will hQ described in that connection, 
there are a numbyr of I^eautif ul squares in various parts of the 
city. Those W. of the Capitol are — 

Lafayette Square, a parallelogram of 7- a., X. of the 
President's House, and between loj and 16J sts., frequently 
popularly known as Madison and Jackson sts., respectively, 
from the early residence of those distinguished gentlemen 
upon them. The ])road av. extending to the IS", is 16th st., 
the high ground at its terminus being Meridian Hill. From 
the President's Grounds on the S. it is separated by a broad 
av., which extends from 1.5th to 17th sts. This square is beau- 
tifully laid out in graveled Avalks with seats. It is adorned 
with trees and shrubbery, many of them rare and valuable 
species and in i^leasing variety. It is lighted throughout 
with gas, two of the lamp-posts combining drinking foun- 
tains. A watchman's lodge, also partly for tlie public, stands 
on the X. side. The building is approached at either end by 
circular walks, screened 1)}^ "rows, of evergreens upon each 
side and in front tlower beds. Two bronze Vases 7 ft. high, 
weighing 1,300 lbs. each, mounted on granite pedestals, stand 
on the E. and ^Y. sides of the square. These are copies from 
an antique vase, and are the work of the brass foundry of the 
Xavy Yard. They were cast with the permission of Mr. Robe- 
son, Secretary of the iSTavy, and retiect great credit upon the 
workshops of the Government. In the centre of this square 
is Clark Mills's equestrian statue of General Andreio Jackson, 
contracted for by the Jackson Monument Association, com- 
posed of the friends and admirers of the subject, who sub- 
scribed $12,000 for the purpose. In 1848 Congress granted 
to the Association the brass guns and mortars captured by 
the General at Pensacola. In 1850 an additional number of 
brass guns and national trophies, sufficient to complete the 



SQUARES. 



35 



statue, were donated by Congress. In 1852 Congress appro- 
priated funds for the erection of tlie marble pedestal ujjon 
which it stands, and in 1853 made a further appropriation of 
$20,000 for the statue itself, and made it the property of the 
United States. The statue is one third larger than life, weighs 




JACKSOX EQUESTRIAN STATUE. 

15 tons, and cost, inclusive of the value of metal and the 
amount contributed by the Association, $50,000. The hind 
parts and tail of the horse being solid, the animal is poised, 
without the aid of iron rods or'other devices as in the great 
statues of Peter the Great, George III, and the Duke of Wel- 
lington. This was the first application of this principle. The 
staUie was unveiled in the presence of a large number of peo- 
ple, Stephen A. Douglas ^delivering the oration, on the 8th 
day of January, 1853, the anniversary of tlie battle of Xew 
Orleans, in which General Jackson routed the Biitish forces 
under Sir John Packenbam. 

From the N". line of Lafayette Square, on the E. and W. 
extremities respectively, diverge Vermont and Connecticut 
avs. On the former, just beyond I st. W., the first trans- 
verse St. N., is IScott Square, and in the corresponding loca- 



36 SQUARES. 

tion on Connecticut av. is Farragut Square^ eacli containing 
\\ a. Botli tliese squares have a paved roadwaj^ of 24 ft. 
width cut through them, running on a line witli the avs. 
Thej^ are laid out in walks, with seats and drinking fountains 
for pedestrians, and are in every way attractive popular re- 
sorts for the neighborhood. In the centre of Farragut Square 
is an ellipse, in which will be placed the Colossal Statue of Ad- 
miral Farragut., for wiiich $20,000 was voted by resolution of 
Congress April 16, 1872. 

At the intersection of Massachusetts and Rhode Island avs. 
and jST and 16th sts. iN'W., less than ten minutes' walk on 
16th St., due IST. of the President's House, is an unnamed 
square of about 1 a., situated in one of the most interesting 
portions of the city. In this square, erected in 1874, stands 
the Colossal Bronze Equestrian Statue of Brevet Lieutenant 
General Winfeld Scott, ordered by Congress in 1867. This 
magnificent work of art represents the General in full 
uniform, mounted on a war charger at rest. He holds the 
reins in the left hand and a pair of field glasses in the right, 
the latter resting against his hip, and with calm martial bear- 
ing surveys the'field. The figure is 10 ft. from the stirrups 
to tlie chapeau and horse and rider 15 ft. The pose is one 
of grace, dignity, and firmness. The charger, with ears 
thrown up and nostrils dilated, every vein flushed with life, 
stands ready to obey the commands of his rider. The design 
is by H. K. BroAvn, sculptor, New York, and was cast by 
Eobert Wood & Co., of Philadelphia, out of bronze cannon, 
trophies of the valor and skill of the General in the Mexican 
war, and donated by Congress. The statue weighs 12,000 
pounds, involved the labor of eight skillful artists nine 
months, and has cost $20,000. The statue is considered one 
of the finest of the kind ever made in the United States, and 
is not only creditable to the sculptor and the founders, but to 
American art. The pedestal stands 14 ft high, consisting of 
platform, sub-base, base, die, and cap, of Cape Ann granite, 
in five large blocks. Total height of the pedestal and statue 
29 ft. The platform is 26 ft. long, 13 ft. wide, and 2 ft. 
thick, and weighs 119 tons 1,197 lbs; sub-base, 20 ft. X 10 
ft. X 1 ft., 84 tons; base, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 3 ft., 41 tons; 
die, 15 ft. X 5 ft. X 5 ft., 38 tons-; and cap, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 
3 ft., 37 tons 1,500 lbs. Total weight of pedestal, 320 tons 
697 lbs. The entire pedestal, Allien quarried, weighed 400 
tons 621 lbs. These are the largest stones ever successfully 
quarried in this country, and among the largest, if not quite 
so, in the world. Great difficulty was experienced in their 
removal to the seacoast, whence they were transported to 
the jSTational Capital by sea. The site for this gtatiie" is ad- 



SQUARES. 37 

niirably chosen, the broad street and mtersectmg avenues 
aftbrding a view of it from various parts of tlie city. 

Franklin Square, between 13th and 14tli sts. W. and 
I and K sts. N"., comprises 4 a., and was purcliased by the 
Government in 1829 in order to secure control of a fine spring, 
the waters of wliicli, as earl}^ as 1832, were conveyed in iDipes 
to the President's House and Executive offices. This water 
is still used for drinking- purposes at the President's House, 
it being considered better than that from the Potomac. The 
spring lies N. of tlie fountain, beneath two iron and stone 
covers, built in the arch constructed over the spring. It was 
not until 1851 that this square was laid out. In tlie centre is 
a small fountain, with a basin 30 ft. in diameter, and a keep- 
er's lodge, witli other conveniences, near by. There ai-e also 
several drinking fountains. The square is planted with a 
pleasing variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. 

Judiciary Square, on the original plan of t*he city, was 
designated reservation ISTo. 9, and was set apart for the then 
contemplated buildings for the accommodation of the Judicial 
branch of the Government. It comprises 19i a., and ex- 
tends on the S. from the intersection of Louisiana and Indi- 
ana avs., at the head of 4J st. W. to G st. JST., and between 
4th and oth sts. ^V. The"S. portion, fronting on 4^ st., is 
occupied by the City Hall. 

On the E. side, beyond E st., was erected the immense 
temporary Avooden structure for the ball given in honor of 
the Second Inauguration of President Grant, March 4, 1873. 
In the NE. angle is the Jail. On the W. side, during the re- 
bellion, 1861-'65, wooden buildings were erected for soldiers' 
hospitals, afterwards donated to the uses of the Women's 
Christian Association, but since removed. This square is 
being made one of the most attractive in the city. 

Kawlins Square, on 'New York av., SW.'of the Pres- 
ident's Grounds, between IStli and 19th sts. "VY., containing 
about 1^ a., is beautifully laid out, with Avalks, trees, ever- 
greens, and shrubbery. It has two small rustic fountains, 
with ornamental margins and centre-pieces of rock- work. 
This square, prior to 1872, was a low, desolate waste. It was 
then filled 8 ft. to grade. In 1874 was erected there the heroic 
sized bronze statue of Brigadier General John A. Eaivlins, of 
Illinois, Adjutant General and chief of statt* to General U. S. 
Grant, 1864-'65, and Secretary of War, 1869. It was ordered 
bv Congress in 1872, executed bv J. Bailev, of Pennsvlvania, 
1873, cast by Robert Wood & Co.. of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- 
vania, cost 810,000, measures 8 ft. in lieiglit, and weighs 1,400 
lbs. The Virginia granite pedestal. 12'ft. liigli, cost $2,500. 

Mount Vernon Place, at the intersection of Massachu- 



38 CHICLES. 

setts and New York avs. and K and 8th sts. NW., till 1871, 
was occupied on tlie E. half by the Northern Market. It is 
now beautifully laid out and planted. In the centre is a. 
raised circular space, containing a bronze fountain. 

A short distance S. of Pennsylvania av., on the E. side 
of 6th St. "VV., is what is known as Circus Lot; that part of 
the reservation in which it is embraced being set apart for 
that purpose. The rents are contributed to charitable insti- 
tutions. 

There are other spaces in the W. portions of the city, but 
are without name. Of these is the wedge-shaped space, of 
about 4 a., between 3d and 4J sts. and Missouri and Maine 
avs., lying AV. of the Botanical Garden; and adjoining it,, 
on the W., another area of 17J a., which extends to 7th st.. 
Tlie W. portion is known as Armory Square^ from being the 
site of the District Armory. Also one of ^ a., N. oi the 
Mall, at the intersection of Ohio and Louisiana avs. 

Lincoln Squahe lies 1 m. directly E. of the central Por- 
tico of the Capitol, on E. Capitol St., and at the intersection 
of Massachusetts, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky 
avs. It comprises 6^ a., and is beautifully laid out in walk* 
and planted with trees and shrubs. In the centre is a raised 
circular mound, on which it is proposed to erect a statue to 
the President from whom the square received its name. On 
either side is a small fountain. It was in this square, in the 
original embellishment of the Capital, that the Historic Col- 
umn was to be built ; to serve also as a Mile or Itinerary Col- 
umn^ from which all geographical distances in the United 
States were to be calculated. There is an excellent distant 
view of the Capitol from here. 

Stanton Place lies NE. of the Capitol, at the intersec- 
tion of Maryland and Massachusetts avs., and comprises 3^ a. 

A short distance S. of the Capitol, at the convergence of 
New Jersey, South Carolina, and North Carolina avs., is a. 
large tract, originally laid out as Reservation No, 17. It 
contains 23^ a., or, on the first maps, 21 a., and was set off 
as the site for the Town House or City Hall, but has never 
since been considered in that connection. It is still with- 
out improvement, though the subject has been called to the 
attention of Congress. 

There are other squares in the SE. parts of the city vacant 
and unimproved. Of these might be mentioned one of 3^^.,. 
at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Carolina avs.; 
one of 2i a., at the intersection of Pennsylvania and South 
Carolina avs.; and one of 1^ a., on North Carolina av., be- 
tween 2d and 3d sts. E. It is the purpose to extend to these 
spaces the improvements contemi)lated. 



ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 



[) 



Circles. — The space at the intersections of the moiv im- 
portant avenues forms what are termed circles. 

Washington Circle, 23cl st. W., at the Intersection of 
Pennsylvania and New 
Hampshire avs., con- 
tains the Equestrian 
Statue of GeneralGeorge 
Washington, by Clarlv 
Mills, ordered by Con- 
gress in 1S53, cost $50,- 
000, and was cast out of 
fi-uns donated bv Con- 




WASHINGTON EQUESTRIAN STATT;E. 



gress. 

It represents Washington at 
the crisis of the Battle of Prince- 
ton, the horse shrinking before 
the storm of shot and the din of 
conflict, while the rider preserves 
that equanimity of bearing native 
to his great character. 

The FOL^TEENTH- 

STREET Circle, at the 
intersection of Massa- 
chusetts and Vermont 
ave., is cliastely laid out in walks, and planted with ever- 
greens, shrubs, and flowers. In the centre is a rustic fountain, 
with a Scotcli terra-cotta fonndation-bowl and rustic stone 
centre-piece, and in different parts of the circle are rustic stone 
and wooden seats. A short distance beyond, on Vermont av., 
at the intersection of Khode Island av., is the Thirteenth- 
street Circle, as yet without particular improvement. 

P-STREET Circle, at the intersection of Connecticut, Mas- 
sachusetts, and New Hampshire avs., is laid out in wallvS and 
lighted. 

It is designed to erect in this circle a fountain 50 ft. in diameter, with coping and 
centre-piece of handsome design in marble or granite. A fine selection of evergjfcens 
and tsees will also be planted. 

The terminus of Pennsylvania av,, on the Anacostia,widens 
into a semi-circle of nearly 5 acres, as yet but little improved. 

Triangles. — At the intersection of the avenues and streets 
are small spaces designated Tiiangnlai* Eeservations. Many 
of these E. and W. of the Capitol are planted with trees and 
shrubs, and are further beautitied with small fountains. 

Birds. — A flock of imported sparrows was set at liberty in the public grounds in 
1871, for the destruction of insects. Each year new cages are placed in the trees 
for the accommodation of their increased numbers. These useful birds are fed reg- 
ularly every morning during the winter in Franklin, Lafayette, and other squares. 

Ornamental Gardening. — In 1851 xV. J. Downing, the cele- 
brated landscape gardener, was employed by the Government 



40 engineer's OFFICE. 

to lay out the public parks and reservations. The grounds 
of the President's House were to be extended to the line of 
the Washington Canal, now B st. IIST., and to be laid out with 
a circular parade-ground, lined with trees in the centre. A 
carriageway, by means of a suspension bridge, was to con- 
nect the S. Park of those grounds with the Mall, near the 
Washington Monument. A drive was to follow the Mall to 
the Capitol. The Mall itself was to be beautifully adorned 
with lawns, walks, drives, trees, and shrubbery. Lafayette, 
Franklin, and the other squares were to be laid out by the 
same person. The admirable schemes of improvement con- 
templated by this truly artistic gardener were suddenly in- 
terrupted by his death in 1852. During the single j'ear of 
his service he prepared a general plan for the laying out and 
beautifying of the public grounds. This, in a great measure, 
has been carried out by his successors. In the Smithsonian 
<3-rounds may be seen a beautiful Yase, erected by the Amer- 
ican Pomological Society to the memory of Downing. A 
description of this tribute to liis genius will be found in its 
appropriate place. 

Previous to this the attempts at the appropriate laying out 
and planting of the public parks were both crude and spas- 
modic. In 1826, more than a quarter of a century after the 
Government had made the city its permanent seat, there 
were no public walks, save the dusty avenues. In 1831 the 
grounds around the Capitol and President's House were still 
in the unkempt condition of nature unadorned. In 1832 the 
old Treasury Building was enclosed. The next year the 
pedestal wall and railing were placed in front of the Park of 
the President's House, and the S. Park, near the mansion, was 
planted with trees. In 1834 the foot and carriageway were 
completed. In 1835 Lafayette Square was improved and 
planted, and supplied with lamps. In 1837 the W. Park of 
the Capitol Grounds was extended to take in part of tlie Mall 
from the circular road around the building to 1st st. W., mak- 
ing an addition of 8 a. The park was walled in and the grounds 
laid out in walks and supplied with fountains. In the same 
year the President's Grounds were in more creditable condi- 
tion. In the S. park, towards the then line of the canal, it was 
proposed to lay out an extensive fish-poncl, to supplj' the Presi- 
dent's table with fish. The public grounds, an eyesore to 
the community and a reflection upon the tase and liberality 
of Congress, were again neglected. 

Office, Engineer in Charge, — in 1871 a system of improvememts was 
inaugurated by Major O. E. Babcock, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., in charge of 
Public Buildings, Grounds, and Works. Congress annually appropriates from 
$100,000 to 1^300,000, to be expended under the Engineer's office, for salaries ; 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 41 

the improvement and care of the public grounds not cTtherwise specially assigned ; 
repairs and refurnishing the President's House, green-houses, and for fuel ; light- 
ing the Capitol, President's House, and public grounds; and construction and re- 
pairs of all bridges on the Potomac and Anacostia, and repairing and extension of 
Government water-pipes. 

Propagating Garden. — The Government Propagating Gar- 
den, originally on Mssouri av., between 3cl and 4J sts. W., 
is beautifully situated on the banks of the Potomac, S. of the 
Washington Monument. The garden covers 8 a. The/o?-c- 
ing liovses are supplied with apparatus for the propagation 
and growth of plants of the rarest species and varieties. In 
1872, from the old garden, upwards of 20,000 papers of flower 
seeds were collecte'd and cured. These, with surplus plants, 
sometimes numbering upwards of 10,000, consisting of roses, 
chrj^santhemums, verbenas, geraniums, begonias, and other 
hot-house annuals and slirubs propagated "at these gardens, 
were distributed to members of Congress, and otliers'notilied 
by circular letter that such stock was ready. A Nursery is 
connected with the garden, in Mdiich trees and sln-ubs are 
gi'own for the supplj^ of the public parks. 




Copyright, 1874; DeB. R. Keim. 

BOTANICAL GARDEN AND GREEN-HOUSE. 

Botanical Garden. — Open daiJy. 9 a. rn. to 6 p. ???.— This 
instructive place of public resort is situated at the foot of Capi- 
tol Hill, extending from 1st to 3d sts. AV., and between Penn- 
sylvania and Maryland avs. There are two main entrances for 
pedestrians, one opposite the main central AV. gate of tlie Cap- 
itol Park and the other on 3d St., opposite tlie E. end of the 
Drive. Each entrance consists of four marble and brick gate 
piers, with iron gates. Ko wheeled vehicles are permitted in 
the garden. The avenues diverging from tlie AV. Capitol Park 
give the garden a wedge-shai^e, the narrower end facing the 
W. front of the Capitol. It comprises 10 a., surrounded by 



42 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

a low, brick wail, with stone coping and iron railing, and is 
laid out in walks, lawns, and flower-beds. TsT. of the Main 
Conservatory is a \2iVgQ fountain^ A\ith 9 main jets and a mar- 
ble basin 93 ft. in diameter. The fountain is supplied from 
the Acqueduct, and throws its highest stream to an altitude 
of 65 ft. This fountain in full play presents a beautiful ef- 
fect, especially when reflecting the rays of the sun. S. of 
the Conseiwatory is a smaller fountain, with a granite basin. 
During the summer the hardiest plants, in boxes, are ranged 
on either side of the main walk, and contribute materially to 
the beauty of the garden. 

The Main Cotiservatori/^ commenced in 1867 from designs 
by Mr. Clark, Architect of the Capitol, consists of a central 
dome and tw^o wings. The base is of marble and the super- 
structure iron. The entire length is 300 ft., greatest width 
60 ft., height of dome 40 ft., and wings 25 ft. The dome is 
supported on a brick column, which answers the double pur- 
pose of being a chimney also. Around this column winds an 
iron, spiral staircase, which leads to a cupola smTounded by 
a balustrade. From this point the finest vieiv of the W. front 
of the Capitol may be obtained. The key is kept bj^ the Su- 
perintendent. There are 10 smaller Conservatories, of brick 
and wood, in one of which is a Lecture or Botanical Class- 
roojn, with accommodations for 100 students. The latter fea- 
ture contemplates the appointment of a Professor of Botany 
by the colleges of the capital to hold lectures here. All the 
conservatories are heated by hot water, conducted in iron 
pipes, supplied from 5 boilers. Three of the boilers are in the 
vaults under the pavement of the dome of the Main Conser- 
vatory. The object of the garden is education and the dis^ 
tribution of rare plants. For the latter purpose there are 4 
conservatories devoted to propagation. All seeds are saved. 
The garden is under the control of the Joint Committee .of 
Congress on the Library. Each member of Congress, on ap- 
jjlying to the chamiian of the committee for plants or seeds, 
is supplied, if practicable. Boquets are frequently obtained 
in the same way. 

BoTANiCAii Collection.— The first collection of plants in 
this i^ational Conservatory was brought to the United States 
by the Exploring Expedition to the'Southern Hemisphere, 
1838-'42, commanded by Captain (Bear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes. Tlie collection was first deposited in the Patent 
Office, but in 1850 was removed to the Botanical Garden. 
Some of the i3lants are still living, and a large share of the 
present collection are the descendants of those brought back 
by the Wilkes Expedition. A few have fm-nished represent- 
atives for many of the princix)al conservatories of the United 
States and Europe. 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 43 

The disposition of the collection is according to a geograph- 
ical distribution. The strictly tropical plants occupy the cen- 
tre Conservatory, and those of a semi-tropical nature, requir- 
ing protection and lying towards the N. pole, are placed in 
the W. range and wing; and all indigenous to countries 
lying tow\ards the S. pole are in the E. range and wing. 

The Centre Building ov Rotunda^ temperature 80^, contains.- 
a fine variety of the majestic palms, called by Martins the 
princes of vegetation, and of which there are 300 kinds, tlie 
most prominent being here represented. The most interest- 
ing in the collection is the palm tree of Scripture, familiarly- 
known as the date palm. Jericho, the City of Palms, was 
so called from the numbers of this tree growing in its vicin- 
ity. It was recommended to be used by the Jews in the 
Feast of Tabernacles. In Arabia, Egj^t, and Persia it sup- 
phes almost every want of the inhabitants. The fruit is 
used for food, the leaves for shelter, the wood for fuel, and 
the sap for spmtuous liquor. It matures in 10 years and 
then fruits for centmles, bearing from 1 to 300 cwt. at a. 
time. Among the Arabs the pollen dust is preserved from 
j'ear to year, and at the season of impregnation of the pistils 
or female flowers a feast called "Marriage of the Palms" is 
h.eld. It is a singular historical fact, that the date palm of 
Egypt bore no fruit in the year 1800, owing to the presence 
of tlie French army in the country, which prevented the an- 
nual marriage feast. 

Among the other plants in this portion of the Conservatory 
are the fan, royal, ratan, sago of Japan and China, Panama 
liat, oil, wine, coco de Chili, sugar, and cradle palms; tlie 
East India bamboo; the tree fem, from New Zealand; as- 
trapea, from Madagascar ; screw pine of Australia, with its 
cork-screw^ leaves and roots in mid ah-; the cinnamon of 
Ceylon ; maiden's hair fern ; mango, a delicious fruit of the 
West Indies ; and banana, that most prolific of all plants ; 
the great stag and elkliorn ferns from Australia, (very fine 
specimens,) and the dumb cane of South America. The sap 
of the root of the latter will take awaj^ the power of speech. 
Humboldt, during his explorations in South America, was 
eight days speechless fi'om tasting it. The outer circle of 
the rotunda is devoted to the smaller tropical plants. 

The E. range, temperature 50^, and 2ving, 40^, are de- 
voted more particularly to the plants of the South Sea Islands, 
Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, Austraha, and New Holland. 
The principal specimens are the tree fern of New Zealand ; 
the aloe and the Caffi-e bread tree fi'om the Cape of Good 
Hope ; the India rubber, the passion flower, the caladium, of 
Brazil; Norfolk Island pine of Australia, one of the most 



44 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

beautiful and largest-growing trees in the world ; the queen 
plant, or bird of paradise flower, from its resemblance to the 
plume of that bird; the tutui, or candle-nut tree, from the 
Society Islands, the nut being used by the natives for lighting 
their huts ; the cofl'ee plant, and several varieties of cactus. 

To the W. range and wing, temperature same as E., the 
plants of China and Japan, the East and West Indies, and 
Mexico are assigned. The most notable plants here are the 
cycadacese, of the East Indies, the largest in the country; 
the four-centmy plant ; the camellia japonica, or Japan rose ; 
the lovely lily of Cuba; the historic papyrus aniiquorum, or 
paper plant, of Egypt; tlie tallow and leechee trees of 
€liina ; the guava, a delightful fruit of the West Indies ; the 
vanilla of Mexico, the species which furnishes the aromatic 
bean ; the black pepper from the East Indies ; the sugar cane, 
the clieramoyer, or custard apple, and cassava of the West 
Indies ; the sensitive and the humble plants ; the American 
aloe, or centmy plant, of Mexico ; the camphor tree from 
Japan ; the tea plant ; the papay, an Oriental tree, which has 
the property of rendering the toughest meat tender ; a plant 
of the adansonia digitata, or monkey bread, which grows on 
the banks of the Senegal, and reaches the enormous circum- 
ference of 100 ft. They are supposed to attain the age of 
5,000 years. They have many uses. Humboldt pronounces 
them the oldest organic monuments of our planet. There is 
;also a specimen of the carob tree of Palestine, sometimes 
called St. John's bread. The pulp around the seed is sup- 
posed to have been the wild honey upon which St. John 
fed in the wilderness. There are other interesting speci- 
mens of the vegetable kingdom, including a pleasing variety 
•of climbing plants. The arrangement of the exotics in the 
Central Conservatory presents the appearance of a miniature 
tropical forest, with its luxuriant growth of tree and vine. 
Until recently the Conservatory was in possession of a speci- 
men of the bohan upas tree, of which such fabulous stories 
have been told. Each wing of the Conservatory is supplied 
with a fountain. In the W. range is a vase, brought from 
St. Augustine, Florida, and taken from the first house built 
on the jSTorth American continent within the present limits 
of the United States. A fine specimen of maiden's hah- fern 
grows in the vase. 

The outside conservatories are generally used for propaga- 
tion. One, liowever, is speciallj^ devoted to camellia japo- 
nica, and another to that curious growth, the orchids or air 
plants. The botanical collection received some valuable con- 
tributions from the expedition of Commodore Perry to Japan. 
The supply is kept up by propagation and pm'chase, and at 



LIGHTING OF THE CITY. 45 

rare intervals by scientific or exxDloring expeditions of tlie 
United States. 

Superintendents of the Botanical Garden. — 1850-1852, W» 
D. Breckenridge ; 1852, William R. Smith. 

History. — The design of the projectors of the city contem- 
plated the location of a botanical garden upon one of the 
extensive reservations which had been set apart for public 
purposes. In 1798 there was considerable discussion as to its 
location. A deputation waited upon the Commissioners of the 
city and urged the S. Park of the President's Grounds, but as 
the object was the enjoyment of the public, it was seen fit to 
establish it in its present desirable situation near the Capitol. 
The topography of the ground, however, was most uninvit- 
ing. The Tiber flowed across one end of it, and most of it 
was low and marshy, and exposed to the ebb and flow of the 
tides in the Potomac. There is a tradition that it was the 
early execution ground of the city, and that no less than five 
criminals were hanged there. In 1822 the Botanical Societif 
of Washington was incorporated by Congress. The society, 
prior to its incorporation, through the individual efforts of 
those interested in botanical researches and investigations in 
the District of Columbia, had prepared a full list of plants, 
and as early as 1817 had arranged them according to the Lin- 
naean classification and the more fashionable an-angment of 
Jussieu. The grounds assigned to the society were the same 
now used by Congress for that purpose. Under the auspices 
of the society the marshy portions were dredged and con- 
verted into a small lake, into which the tide continued to ebb 
and flow. A few of the native trees were planted, consisting 
of fine oaks, buttonwoods, gums and persimmons. The 
only vestige remaining of these primitive efl'orts at a botan- 
ical garden are two post oaks. After the discontinuance of 
the society the garden was used as a deposit for rubbish. In 
1850 the representative management was asstgned to the 
Joint Committee of Congi-ess on the Library. The first 
buildings were then erected, and the office of Superintendent 
created. This post was first filled by W. D. Breckenridge, 
who had been horticulturist and botanist to the Wilkes Ex- 
pedition. A systematic course of improvement was inaugu- 
rated out of the annual appropriations by Congress, begin- 
ning with the fiUing of the entire grounds'^ to a depth of o to 
6 ft. 

Lighting of the City.— The ligliting of the city is entirely 
by private companies. The first of these was incorporated in 
1848. In that year Congress made an appropriation of $2,000 



46 STATUES. 

for paying the Washington Gas Company for Ughting the 
•Capitol and Capitol Grounds, to include fixtures ; for laying 
pipes from the main pipe at the Capitol to the foot of loth st. 
W., on both sides of Pennsylvania av., and for 100 lamp- 
posts and lamps and other necessary fixtm-es. This was the 
first use of gas in the city. In the same year gas was also 
first introduced into the President's House. It has since 
srown into general use. The Government provides for the 
lighting of all public buildings and grounds, and the District 
lor a vs. and sts. 

Statues. — The statues in the public parks contribute greatly 
to the adornment of the capital. The principal are Green- 
ough's Washington, in marble, in the E. Park of the Capitol, 
and those of Jefferson, E.of the President's House; Jackson. 
in Lafayette Square ; and Washington, in Washington Circle, 
in bronze; the Equestrian Statue of General Scott^m bronze, 
is situated on 16th st. W. ; a statue of Lincoln, in marble, 
surmounting a small column of the same material, in front of 
the City Hall. A description of all statues will be found in 
connection with the grounds in which they are placed. Statues 
of Admiral Farragntan.0. General Raidings have been ordered 
by Congress. In 1792 Jefterson urged tlie commissioners of 
the city to emploj^ one Cerachi, an'Italian sculptor, to exe- 
cute the equestrian statue of Washington ordered by the Con- 
tinental Congress, The sum of 20,000 guineas was to be the 
■cost, and Jefferson suggested the sale of city lots to supply 
the funds. jSTo action' was taken. In 1794 the same sculptor 
was brought forward as the best person to design and execute 
the Monument to American Liberty proposed to be erected 
E. of the Capitol, in what is now Lincoln Square. This was 
also abandoned. 

"Water Supply.— The water of the city is carried from the 
Great Falls of the Potomac, by the Aqueduct, a distance of 
12 m., to a Distributing Reservoir, 2 m. from Ptock Creek and 
4 J m. from the Capitol. The daily supply is 30 million galls. 
and consumption 17 million galls., or 1^7 galls, to each per- 
son — the largest of any city in the world. The full capacity 
of the Aqueduct is 80 million galls. A description of this 
remarkable work will be found in another part of this Hand- 
book. 

In the effluent screen well at the distributing reservoir are 
laid four 48-in. mouth-pieces for the supply of the city. Three 
of these are reduced in the pipe-vault to 36-in., 30-in.. and 
12-in. Leaving the vault these three mains run parallel across 
the country to a small stream known as Foundry Branch. 



WATER SUPPLY. 47 

Near this point they strike the road along the Chesapeake 
and Ohio Canal, which they follow through Bridge and Aque- 
duct sts., Georgetown, to Rock Creek, a distance of 2 m. On 
the way the 30 and 12-in. mains cross College Pond, over an 
arch of 120 ft. span, composed of two 30-in. pipes. The 36-in. 
main is laid in the bottom of the creek. At Kock Creek two 
of tlie three mains are joined, so that the water is conveyed 
through two 4S-in. pipes, which form an arcli of 200 ft. span 
acros.irthat stream. These arclies also sustain a roadway for 
a horse railway and general ti'affic betv^'een the cities of 
Washington and Georgetown. At the E. end of the bridge 
the three mains are resumed, and following Pennsylvania 
av. E., the 36-in main, laid by the District, enters L st. N., 
following it to Xew Jersey av.; thence by that avenue, in a 
30-in. main, to Massachusetts av. and B st. X.; thence, in a 
20-in. main, to 11th st. E., where it terminates; the 30-in. 
main, laid by the United States from Rock Creek, leaves 
Pennsylvania aA'. at the "\Vaslungton Circle, following K St., 
Massacliusetts and Xew Jersey avs. to B st. X., and thence 
is continued in a 20-in. main through B st. X. to 11th st. E. 
A branch from this main supplies the Botanical Garden, 
Smithsonian and Arsenal Grounds. The 12-in. main, laid by 
the United States from Rock Creek, follows the line of Penn- 
sylvania av. and Sth st. E., thence to the Xavy Yard wharf, 
on the wtiy passing around the Capitol Grounds by A st. X. 
and 1st st."^ E. Distance, 4| m.; or 6f m. from the reservoir. 

These mains supply all the public buildings and fountains, 
besides the daily consumption of the city. The branch pipes 
for the latter are laid at the expense of the District. By law 
the water-rates are regulated to cover the expense of laying 
new pipes and keepiirg old ones in repair, but cannot be a 
source of revenue. 

The total length of Distributing PipeSs Xov., 1873, was 
132.69 m., of which 16.89 were laid by the Washington Aciue- 
cluct, lO.-il m. by tlie late corporation of Georgetown, and 
105.3 m. by the City of Washington. The pipes' are supplied 
with stop-valves and attachments. There are also upwards 
of 500 lu-e-plugs ; also drinking fountains, hydrants, taps, and 
water-services, water-meters, etc. 

A tax of I of 1 cent, per square foot is assessed upon all 
property whicli binds or touches upon any street in which a 
main water-pipe has been laid. There is also an annual tire- 
plug tax on all buildings situated within 500 ft. of any main 
pipe, the OA^^iers or occupants of which do not pay an annual 
water-rate or tax. The annual revenues are about $150,000. 

In founding the capital, it was proposed to utilize the 
springs within the city, and the Tiber, which entered from 



48 THE HARBOR. 

the N. The elevation of the source of the latter was 236f 
ft. above tide. Its water was to be carried to the Capitol. 
After also supplying" the E. part of the city, the excess was 
to be conducted to the W. front of the Capitol, and form the 
proposed Cascade^ to have a fall of 20 ft. and width of 50 ft. 
into a reservoir below. Thence the water was to be distributed 
into three falls across the W. Park, the Botanical Garden, 
and the Mall. In 1832 one of the earliest efforts in this direc- 
tion was to convey the water of Smith's Spring, 2J miles IST. 
of the Capitol and 30 ft. above its base, in pipes to the reser- 
voir in the E. Park, and from thence into the buildina;. The 
sm-plus was conducted under the building, and feeds the foun- 
tain in tlie W. Terrace. In 1836 Congress purchased this 
spring and 1 acre of land adjoining, and enclosed it. In 1837 
a scant supply was carried in pipes from the reservoir in the 
E. Park along the IST. side of Pennsylvania av. to the Treas- 
ury Department, and subsequently to the General Post Office. 
In 1832 the spring in what is now Franklin Square supplied 
the President's House and ' ' public offices. ' ' It does the same 
now, though the Aqueduct water has also been introduced. 
At the same time a new spring at K and 13th sts. iSTW. was 
opened, and carried a sux)ply of 60 gallons a minute to the 
vicinity of F and 13th sts. XW. Also pipes were laid from 
a spring on iS'ew Jersey av., S. of the Capitol, and from an- 
other Just W. of the ISTavy Yard, which supplied tlie SE. sec- 
tion of city near the Anacostia. Over half a century elapsed 
before the Aqueduct was built. 

Pountains, — In the public parks and squares are a number 
of fountains, some of which, though not elaborate in design, 
contribute greatly to the beauty of the city. Tlie largest is 
in the Botanical Garden. There are also line ones X. and 
E. of the President's House and N^. of the Treasmy Depart- 
ment. The latter consists of an immense granite urn, in a 
basin of the same material, with side outlets formed of lions' 
heads. In Mount Vernon Place is another, with a bronze 
centre-piece. There are many of smaller dimensions. The 
first public fountain was erected in 1810, by the corporation 
and voluntary subscription, and bore the inscription, "By 
the Maj^oralty. Robert Brent, Esq." 

The Harbor.— In front of Washington the Potomac, re- 
leased from the hills above Georgetown, expands into a broad 
lake-like river. 

The Potomac River rises in the Alleghany Mountains, and 
after a course of 400 m. empties mto the Chesapeake Baj^. 
At its confluence with the bay it is 7J m. wide, and in front 



THE HARBOR. 49 

of Washington 1|- m., with 18 ft. of water. The Aiiacostia 
at its month is nearly as wide as the main stream, and is 
fully as deep. Salt water reaches to within 50 m. of the city. 
The average tide at the Kavj^ Yard is 3 ft. 

The Harbo) of Washington consists of a channel extending 
from Greenleaf 's or Arsenal Point, the upper point at the 
junction of the Anacostia and Potomac, to the foot of 17th 
St. W., a distance of | m., and also a small channel in the 
Anacostia. 

The Potomac Channel has an average width of 400 ft. up 
to Marjiand av. or Long Bridge, between the depths of 6 ft. 
at mean low water-, and narrows to 250 ft. at the Arsenal 
wharf. The greatest depth to the lower whar-s^es at 6th st. 
SW. is 11 ft., and lo Maryland av. 8 ft. Above Long Bridge 
this channel gradually slioals, and is lost in the flats off 
17th St. 

The Anacostia Channel has an average width of 350 ft., 
between the depths of 6 ft. on either side, and narrows to 
250 ft. The greatest depth to the N'avy Yard is 14 ft., and 
1 m. above is but 6 ft. 

Tlie Harhor of Georgetown consists of a depression in the 
bed of the Potomac, lying between the town front on the left 
bank and a small portion of the right or Virginia bank and 
Analostan Island, near the same bank. This harbor has an 
average width of 800 ft., with an average depth of 25 ft. at 
mean low water. The depth over the bar in tlie main chan- 
nel of the Potomac just below this harbor is but 10 ft. at 
mean low water. This depth has been increased to 15 ft. by 
dredging. 

The Main Channel^ starting at the harbor of Georgetown, 
runs between Analostan Island andEasby's Point, the S. end 
of 27th St. W., along the bank of the river to the W. end of 
Long Bridge, and thence to Geisborough, or the lower point 
of the mouth of the Anacostia. Off this it joins the channel 
of the Anacostia and that from the Potomac fKont of Wash- 
ington. Here the three unite, and form the broad channel, 
which extends down the main river. The length of the main 
channel from the canal aqueduct at Georgetown to deep 
water at Geisborough Point is 4f m. Tlie depth at mean 
high water at the shoalest place in tlie Potomac below Wash- 
ington is 22 ft. Between the main channel of the Potomac 
and the shore lying between 17th and 27th sts. W. lies an 
expansive marsh of about 1,000 a., known as the flats, and 
mostly covered with a rank growth of water-grass. One third 
is clear at low water, and the remainder is covered from 1 to 
4 ft. It is stated by the engineers who have made a survey 
4 



50 COMMERCE. 

that these deposits increase yearly as the shores above are 
cleared of forest. 

Wharves. — The wharves of the city, along the banks of the 
Potomac, at the foot of 17th st., are used by wood and sand 
craft ; and 7th st. W., bj^ steamboats and schooners. Those 
on the Anacostia, W. of the ^avy-yard, are used for wood, 
lumber, coal, stone, sand, and other articles brought to the 
Washington market. The Hth st. wharves are among 
the oldest, and were known as early as 1806 as Van Ness 
wharves, after General Van iSTess, their owner. At this point 
also was the entrance to the old Washington Canal. The 
ruins of the Van Xess warehouse are still to be seen near by. 

Canal. — For the convenience of the wood, coal, and sand- 
boats, and other small craft, James Ci-eek, which enters the 
Anacostia immediately E. of the Arsenal, has been dredged 
to a depth of 8 ft. at low-water mark, and widened to 60 ft. 
as far as Virginia av. at its intersection with S. Capitol st. 
It is the design ultimately to abandon the present wharves at 
the foot of 17th st. W. The old Washington Canal, which 
connected the Anacostia at the foot of 2d st. E. with the Po- 
tomac at the foot of 17th st. W., commenced in 1791 and fin- 
ished in 1837, has been filled from 3d to 17th sts. W., and a 
covered sewer built in its place. 

Commerce. — In addition to its central location, consid- 
ered with reference to the bounds of the United States iu 
1790, the site for the Federal City on the Potomac Kiver also 
had the advantage of easy water connxiunication ^\ith the 
Chesapeake Bay and the Ocean. Its location was also farther 
inland than could have been secured on tide water on any 
other navigable stream on the Atlantic seaboard. In those 
earl}^ days such recommendations were paramount. The pro- 
ject of im J) roving the navigation of the Potomac and the con- 
struction of a canal to connect with the head-waters of the 
Ohio promised an increase of these facilities. Alexandria, 
7 m. below, already enjoyed a considerable commerce with 
the cities and towns on the Chesapeake, along the Atlantic 
coast, and the ports of foreign lands. Georgetown, just above, 
also had a local trade of some importance." The introduction 
of steam on the Potomac took place shortly after its satisfac- 
tory application as a motive power in navigation. The Wash- 
ington, Alexandria, and Baltimore Steam-packet Company 
was succeeded by the Washington, Alexandria, and Geoi-ge- 
town Steam-pacivet Companj^ incoi-porated in 1829. The 
facilities of travel on the river and bay, and to points IST. by 
sea, have at different times since been largely augmented. 



liAUEOR IMPROVEMENT. 51 

Merchant vessels belonging to the customs district of George- 
town, whicli includes Washington — 1872, sail 78, 2,081 tons; 
steam 25, 5,084^ tons ; unrigged 309, 18,490J : total 412, 25,- 
656 tons. There is an extensive home trade^on tlie Potomac 
Elver and Chesapeake Bay, and by Sea, with the cities on 
the Atlantic seaboard. Direct foreign trade, however, is 
small, all imported goods being received through other ports. 
In 1872 but one foreign vessel arrived; Tiie dutiable imports 
amounted to but $1,804, and domestic exports $2,416. 

Harbor Improvement.— In 1872 a board of oflftcers was ap- 
pointed, under an act of Congress, with a view to the im- 
provement of the channel of the river and the water fronts 
of AYashington and Georgetown for commercial purposes, 
and the reclamation of the poisonous marsh opposite the city. 
The board reported three plans, that most favored proposing 
but one channel, of sufficient width and depth for all purposes ,. 
a direct continuation of the river at Georgetown, to run along 
the right bank of the river as far down as Gravelly Point, and 
thence directly toward Geisborough Point on the left bank, 
joining the deep channel of the river at that point, following 
nearl}^ the present main channel of the river, and affording a 
frontage of 7 m. The channel, 23 ft deep, would be of suffi- 
cient width to enable the largest vessels to move with ease 
and free from danger of grounding, and also to discharge the 
heaviest freshets. The great freshet of about 1852 swelled 
the river at the old Chain Bridge, just below the Little Falls, 
to a height of 43 feet above mean high water ; at the Aque- 
duct Bridge, 10 ft. ; at the Arsenal, about 3f m. below, 4| ft.; 
and at Alexandria, about 3^ m. still lower down, 2r} ft. The 
width of channel adopted for the Anacostia is 600 ft., with a 
depth of 23 ft. at mean low M'ater at the Navy Yard Bridge. 
For the transshipment of coal f j-om the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Canal, in front of Georgeto^^■n, it is proposed to erect suitable 
docks and^Pi'er*, to be continued by lines of bulkhead, includ- 
ing piers, the ^^•hole commencing at the NE. corner of High 
and Water sts., Georgetown, and extending along the entire 
Washington front on the Potomac and Anacostia to the outer 
end of the N. abutnient of Anacostia Bridge. 

With these improvements Long Bridge would be recon- 
structed, with spans of not less than 200 ft., and a pivot-draw, 
with two openings of not less than 160 ft. clear in each, the 
bridge to be constructed for railroad and ordi nary travel. The 
estimated cost of tlie whole Avork is $6,000,000 ; or less expen- 
sive materials, $4,000,000. Land reclaimed, 1023 a.; time to 
complete, 4 yrs. 



52 BRIDGES. 

It is proposed to remove the ]Sraval Observatory, and use 
the earth for fining. 

Extension of the City. — Long Bridge, to tlie water front, to 
be designated Railroad Avenue^ would be laid out in a road- 
way 200 ft. wide, witli space for rail-tracks in the centre and 
a c"arriagew\ay on either side. The irregular space between 
Maryland av. continued to the water, Kailroad av., and the 
bulkhead, including streets, 44 a., with 4 piers, to be re- 
served for railroad freight depots and workshops. The Mall 
would be extended W. to proposed Potomac av., would give 
an aggregate length of 2jV m., and would form a magnifi- 
cent triple avenue, sweeping away in front of the W. fa- 
yade of the Capitol, by the side of which would tower tiie 
Vfasliington Monument, and along whicli could be erected 
statues and monuments to the memory of the great men of 
the Republic. The general system of streets and avenues 
vrould be extended over the reclaimed ground outside of the 
Goverimient reservations, 454 a., with the exception of Rail- 
road av., now Long Bridge and Potomac av., 200 ft. wide, to 
run the entire length inside the bulkhead. The street, 100 ft. 
wide inside the bulkheads, on the Anacostia front, called by 
the name of that stream, would run from the Arsenal to the 
jSTavy-yard. 

Bridges. — There are no fine bridges across the Potomac or 
Aiiacostia connecting Washingtonwith the opposite shore. 
At the beginning of tlie present centurj^ there v/ere four 
bridges : one across the Potomac into Virginia, and three 
across tlie Anacostia ; all oAvned by private companies. There 
iU'O now the Long Bridge across the Potomac, which is also 
used for a railway, and the Navy Yard and Benning's, or the 
L^pper Bridge, across the Anacostia. The Baltimore and 
Potomac Railroad Bridge also crosses the Anacostia above 
the ISTavy-vard. 

In 1809 a pile bridge, 1 m. long, with a draw on the E. and 
AV. ends, was in use across the Potomac. The SW. end Avas 
destroyed in 1814, by order of the Government, during the 
pi'osence of a foreign enemy. It was restored in 1816. In 
1832 the Government purchased it and built a new one, which 
^^■as destroyed by ice in 1836. It was restored in 1838. In 
1850 it was proposed to build an iron or stone arched bridge, 
but after plans were subuiitted the matter dropped. The 
railroad portion of the present Potomac bridge was built in 
1872. The entire structure consists of a way for vehicles 
and pedestrians and for the track of the Washington and 
Alexandria Railroad. Near the Washington end is a small 
dmw over the E . channel. From this point a causeway crosses 



BRIDGES. 53 

the marshes of the river to the Virguiia channel, which is sur- 
monnted by a wooden structure, with a draw sufficient to ad- 
mit of the passage of the largest vessels. It was by this bridge 
that most of the vast armies of the United States marched into 
Virginia during the rebellion, lS61-'65. 

In 1S14 the bridges over the Anacostia were also burned 
by order of the Government. In 1819 the Navy Yard Bridge, 
which crosses the Anacostia from the foot of 11th st. E. and 
terminates at Uniontown, or E. Washington, was built. It 
is a dilapidated wooden structure, with a small draw. It is 
proposed to erect a new bridge, M'ith stone abutments and 
iron superstructure. Above is the Baltimore and Potomac 
Railroad Bridge. 

The Chain Bridge across the Potomac at the Little Falls, 
4 m. above Washington, connecting the District of Columbia 
and Virginia, was built before 1811, and was a chain suspen- 
sion bridge. This name has always been retained, tliough 
several structures — tlie last a llowe truss bridge, partly car- 
ried away in 1870 — have since been demolished by ice gorges 
and freshets, whicli rise to 40 ft. The present wrouglit-iron 
truss bridge was ordered by Congress in 1872, built by Clark, 
Reeves & Co., Plioenixville, Penna., was erected and opened 
in 1874. It is 1,350 ft. long, 20 ft. wide, 2G ft. high, and luis 8 
spans, from IGO to 170 ft. each. The floor beams are lo-in. 
rolled iron; planking, 3-in. N"orth Carolina Pine; stands 30 
ft. over the main channel, and cost 8100,000. The bridge 
rests on the old stone piers, raised 18 in., and \&free. It is a 
very tine structure, and the countrj- around is wild and ro- 
Qiantic and is well worthy of a visit. It is also visible from 
the aqueduct road. 

The other bridges within the District are Be7ining''s^ a 
wooden structure, ^ m. above the 'Navy Yard, and the Aque- 
duct of the Alexandria Canal at Georgetown. 

All bridges across the Potomac, except the Aqueduct Bridge 
it Georgetown, are now the property of the Government, 
mdfree to the public. 

Communication between Washington and Georgetown 
across Rock Creek is maintained by three bridges. The 
PennsgUania-av. Bridge is a fine iron structure, "consisting 
of an arch of 200 feet, formed by two 4S-in pipes, used to con- 
vey the aqueduct water into the city, and upon which rests 
the roadway. The M and P-st. Bridges ai'e also superior 
specimens of bridge architecture. The James Creek Canal, 
HI the SE. parts of the city, is spanned by iron and stone 
bridges. In the comity stone culverts are used over natural 
watercourses. 



54 TELEGRAPHS. 

Street Eailways. —Since 1862, when first incorporated, these 
popular modes of citj^ convej'ance have been greatly extended. 
Two lines cross the city E. to W. and two N. to S., and from 
Pennsylvania av. on 15th st., opposite the N'E. angle of the 
Treasury IST., to the Boundary on 14th st. W., and another 
from the same point to the E . Boundary. IS'ew enterprises of 
this character are laid out or in course of completion. There 
are 45 m. of st. railway in the two cities and District, estimated 
on the basis of a single track. [See General Information.] 

Eailroads. — The capital is accessible by railway from all 
parts of the United States. Pre^dous to the establishment of 
railways, the Government patronized the opening of wagon- 
roads and canals to carry all trade centering at the District 
into the city. A through road of communication across the 
Alleghenies was fostered and carried to completion. In 1828 
Congress authorized the railroad company incorporated by 
the State of Marjdand to build a road from Baltimore to Wash- 
ington, to enter the District and city ; Congress merely re- 
taining jurisdiction of the soil. This was the first eflbrt to 
establish railway communication with the ^^Tational Capital. 
A lateral branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad into 
Washington was authorized in 1831. By 1841 there were 
two trains, daily, each way, between Washington and Balti- 
more — time, 2 J hours. The incorporation of the Washing- 
ton and Alexandria in 1854, and the lateral branches of the 
Baltimore and Potomac in 1867, together with the extensions 
of the Baltimore and Ohio, have connected the National Cap- 
ital with the railroad systems of the E., K., W., and S. [See 
General Information.} 

Telegraphs.— In 1843 Congress appropriated $30,000, to be 
expended under the Secretarj^ of the Treasury, for testing the 
capacity and usefulness of the system of electro-magnetic tele- 
graphs invented by Samuel F. B. Morse, of ISTew York, for the 
use of the Government of the United States. In 1845 the line 
was completed between Washington and Baltimore . In 1846 
Congress ordered that the proceeds of the line be placed in 
the Treasmy of the United States for the benefit of the Post 
Ofiice Department, in the same manner as revenues from post- 
ages. From this beginning the present extensive system oi 
telegraphic communication began. The various lines are now 
owned by private corporations. The telegraph is now the 
principal means of conveying intelligence respecting the op- 
erations of the Government to the people of the country 
through the newspapers. [See General Information.] 



SECTION III. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 



HISTOEICAL EETEOSPECT. 

"^^^.^^f^^HE Legislative and Executive branches of the 
#V^7^^ Government occupy buildings erected expressly 
for their accommodation. The co-ordinate, or Judi- 
cial branch, is yet without a structure of its own, 
though sucii provision for its accommodation w^as 
^ii P^ orio:i'nally contemplated. The Capitol is devoted 
to the purposes of Congress, and aftbrds limited facilities 
for the sessions and bnsin<iss of the Supreme Court of the 
United States and Court of Claims. The Executive, with 
its various departments, occupies a number of buildings. 
The public edifices used for these purposes are not only 
attractive in architecture, but are immense in proportions, 
and practicallv without limit in durability. They are all 
built of the best qualities of granite, marble, or freestone, 
with interior finish of brick, iron, and glass. In comparison 
with tiie buildings of other Governments, used strictly for 
governmental purposes, they are without an equal, and more 
frequently without a rival. 

The buildings occupied by the executive oflices are desig- 
nated according to the nature of the executive business trans- 
acted in them. For instance, the Treasury Department con- 
tains the various offices under the direction of the Secretary of 
the Treasury. There is one exception, however : the building 
occupied by the Department of the Interior, which is known 
as the Patent Ofllce, it having been erected to serve for the 
display of models. The Patent Oflice proper is but a bureau 
of the Department of the Interior. 

The increase of the Government business and the inad- 
equate accommodations afl:brded by the public buildings, 
commodious as they are, has necessitated, in a number of 
cases, the purchase or renting of private buildings in difl:erent 
parts of the city. 
The Department of .Justice occupies the upper portion of 
55 



56 THE CAPITOL. 

the Freeclmen's Bank building*. Winder's building, origi- 
nally erected for a hotel, now owned by the Grovernment, is 
used by several of tlie bureaus of the War Department. A 
number of the bureaus of the other executive offices are 
similarly provided for. 

The lirst editices built for the accommodation of tlie exec- 
utive offices were the War Office, 450 ft. SW., apd the Treas- 
ury, on a corresponding site SE. of the President's House; 
the former before and the latter after 1800. Both faced S. 
The War Office, now the Xavy Department, was later trans- 
ferred to the new building on the X. In 1818 Congress au- 
thorized tlie erection of two new buildings jST. of tliose then 
standing. These were completed during tlie administration 
of President Monroe. The four structures were then desig- 
nated according to their location with respect to the Presi- 
dent's House; that is, the jSTE., SE., ]^W., and SW. Execu- 
tive Buildings — respectively State, Treasury, War, and Navy 
Departments. The site of the first two is now occupied bj' 
the Treasury Department. The War and Nav.y Departments 
are still standing, but will shortly be removed, to make room 
for the new State, War, and ^?ivy Department now build- 
ing. The first building, designed by George Hadfield, Archi- 
tect of the Capitol, foi'med the models for ail. They were 
brick, originally 2 stories high, 120 to 160 ft. front, 60 ft. deep, 
aiid ''') ft. high, with a freestone basement and Ionic portico. 
The}' were subsequently raised and otherwise modified. It 
was originally intended to have a passage between them and 
the President's House, but this was abandoned. The SE. 
building, or Treasury Department, was destroyed by fire in 
March, 1833. It then occupied temporary quarters on Penn- 
sylvania av. In 1836 the erection of a new Treasury Depart- 
ment, more suitable in design and dimensions, was com- 
menced on the site of the old. Before the business of the 
Government became so great, all tlie offices were accom- 
modated in the four buildings. The Patent Bureau then oc- 
cupied rooms in the NE., the Attorney General's Office and 
Indian Bureau in the jSTW., and the General Land Office in 
the SE. Executive Buildings. 



THE CAPITOL. 

The Capitol of the United States (opeji every day^ except 
Sunday) stands on the W. brow of the plateau which forms 
the E. portion of the city. It may be reached from the more 
populous sections by street cars. Pennsylvania av., from 



APPROACHES. 57 

Georgetown, leads to one of the gates at the foot of the liill, 
below the W. entrance. From the President's House, by 
Pennsylvania av., the distance to the Capitol is 1^- in., and 
the same from the most remote of the principal hotels. 'J'he 
street cars pass in front of or close by all the hotels. 

Street Oars.— The Pennsylvania-av. (marked ''Capitol") 
Street Cars, from the W., pass around the Capitol on the S., 
and by a branch track from S. B St., carry visitors to the 
SE. angle of the S. Extension, occupied by the House of 
Representatives. Strangers should be careful to take a car 
for the Capitol. Those marked ''Xavy Yard" run within a 
short distance of the same point. Those of the same line for 
the Baltimore and Ohio EE. Depot would leave them on the 
N. line of the grounds, and some distance from tlie building. 
The Metropolitan., or F-st Cars., by a branch track, land pas- 
sengers on the plateau at the NE. angle of the ^N". or Senate 
Extension. Strangers should be careful to take a car for the 
Capitol. The same line of cars to the E . parts of the city on 
E. Capitol St. also pass near tlie same point. 

Site. — The Capitol occupies very nearly the centre of the plot 
of the city, there being 25 sts. E., 27 sts. W., 22 sts. N., and 21 
sts. S. On a straiglit line, however, drawn from ]SrW. to SE., 
it stands about ^ m. to\^'ards the latter point. The great white 
Dome which surmounts the niighty pile, rising high in the 
air, is visible for miles around — indeed from every elevated 
point in the District. From it, as far as the eye can reach, 
may be seen rolling hills, broad \'alleys, and rivers. The E. 
fagade of the building looks out upon the expansive plain of 
Capitol Hill, with a background of beautiful elevations, 
those on the right being beyond the Aiiacostia; the N. 
across a broad ihtc*rvening valley to the wooded encircling 
hills of the city; the S. down upon the low grounds and 
sparsely settled portions of the city, with the broad Potomixc 
and Anacostia mingling their waters in the distance ; tlie W. 
overlooks the business and official quarters, the lawns and 
groves of the Botanical Garden, the Mall, and the President's 
Grounds, and the wooded svmimit of University Square, with 
the shining domes of the Observatory and Georgetown Heights 
beyond. 

Approaclies.— Broad avs. and sts., 11 in number, from 130 
to 160 ft. wide, radiate from the Capitol and constitute its ap- 
proaches as follows : E. front — to the NE. Maryland av., to 
the SE. Pennsylvania av., and to the E. E. Capitol St.; W. 
front — to the NW. Pennsylvania av., to the SW. Maryland 
av., and to the W. lie the Botanical Garden and ]Mall ; X. 



58 THE GROUNDS. 

front— NE. Delaware av., XW. Xew Jersey av., to the N. 
N. Capitol St.; S. front— to the SE. New Jersey av., to the 
SW. DelaAvare av.. and to the S. S. Capitol st. 

The Grounds. — The grounds surrounding' the Capitol, en- 
larg-ed in 1872-'3, by the purchase of squares 687 and 688, for 
$68'4:,199.15, respectively in the IS". E. and S. E. angles form 
a parallelogram 1,800 ft. E. and W. and 1,250 ft. ISf. and S., 
containing 51 J a. The Capitol occupies the centre, and with 
its massive porticos, broad steps and blocl<ings, towering 
dome and columns, pilasters, entablatures, with architrave, 
frieze, and cornice, pediment and balustrade, is one of the 
most imposing structures in the world. 

In 1874, Congress, for the first time, took steps towards a 
creditable improvement of these grounds. A topograpliical 
survey was made, and Fred. Law Olmstead of New York, 
landscape architect, authorized to furnish iDlans. On June 
23, 1874, 8200,000 were appropriated to be expended under 
the direction of the architect of the Capitol. Mr. Olmstead, 
charged with the execution of the plans, was aided by John 
A. Partridge, engineer in charge, and Geo. Kent Radford, 
consulting engineer. 

The general features of the improvements are the continua- 
tion of East Capitol st., to connet with a hvon^d paved carriage 
co?Arf, (ISTeuchatel pavement,) 300 ft. wide in front of the cen- 
tral portico. On eitlier side is an undulating space of oval 
shape. On that portion facing the building is a seat with 
blue stone plinth, and base, Seneca back and blue stone coping 
and cap. The seat is divided into 8 spaces by piers of blue 
stone and Seneca, 3 ft. 4 in. high, surmounted by bronze 
lamps 12 ft. high. In front is laid a patent ISio&^iO, pavement 
in colors. 

In front of the central portico stands 6 lamp piers 13 ft^ 
3 in. high, blue stone base, with red sand stone band, and 
above, blue stone and polished Passamaquoddy (red) granite,, 
in alternate courses, surmounted by hronze lamp posts, 12 ft., 
liigh, designed by Thomas Wisedell, of JST. Y., cast by Janes,, 
of IST. Y.,"l874. In the rear, on either side of the main 
avenue, is a fiower casket, base 40 by 30 ft., of blue stone 
and granite, and surmounted by a bronze vase, from w^hich 
rises a spray fountain. Around each casket is a pavement 
similar to that in front of the seat. 

The plans yet to be acted upon for the West Par/i: contem- 
plate a terrace 50 ft. wide, with supporting walls 10 ft. liigh. 
Opposite the central western portico an imposing double 
flight of steps wull descend to a terraced walk., 40 ft. wide 



'I'liiiilliili!"', 

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€0 THE GROUNDS. . 

and 1,000 ft. long, terminating in beautiful pavilions. Op- 
posite the main steps is another descent to the three main 
diverging foot-waj^s. 

From tlie various converging avenues drives and foot ap- 
proaches lead into the grounds through appropriate entrances., 
to the carriage coui-t and porte cocheres. At the Pennsylva- 
nia and Maryland avenue foot approaches, on the west, will 
be large fountains. In the northeastern space is the Sumner 
hetclu so called in consideration of the Senator's admiration. 

In front of the central western projection of the portico is 
an oval basin., (78,827 galls.,) which receives the water from a 
white and blue marble fountain wq'ay by, erected in 1834, and 
fed from a covered reservoii- under the carriage court at the 
head of the main avenue, East Park, supplied from Smith's 
Spring, IJ m. IST. of the Capitol, just NE. of Howard Uni- 
versity, and purchased in 1882. In this basin, in 1814, stood 
the Naval Monument to tiie memory of the officers Avho fell 
in the Tripolitan war, 1804, now stands in the U. S. Naval 
Academy grounds at Annapolis, Md. 

In the E. Park is the colossal statue of George Washington, 
*'the father of his country," bj^ Horatio Greenon^h, of Mass., 
ordered by Congres!*, 1832, for the Eotuuda of rhe Capitol, 
made in Florence, Italy, was 8 years in completion, weighs 
12 tons, if erect would be 12 ft. high, and cost, Inelnding 
sculptor's work, freight, removals, and attendant expenses, 
^44,000; of this $5^000 were for transportation from the 
Wasliiugton navy j'ard to the Kotunda, about 1 m. The large 
size of the statue has occasioned considerable embarrassment. 
It was designed by Congress that it should be suitable to the 
interior of tlie Capitol. It was found entirely out of propor- 
tion there. Its final resting place is yet a matter of doubt. 

In the figure^ the right hard points to heaven, and the left, advanced, holds a 
Roman short sv/ord, the handle presented. Over the right arm and lower parts of 
the body falls a mant'rc. The seat is ornamented with acanthus leaves and garlands 
of flo.vers. The carvings in the back admits of a view of the back of the statue. A 
small figure of Columbus rests against the left arm of the seat, and of an I«dian 
against the right. In basso relievo on the right of the seat is represented Phaeton in 
his car, drawn by fleet steeds, allegorically, the rising sun, and the crest of the arms 
of the United States. On the left are represented N. and S. America, as the infant 
Hercules strangling the serpent, and Iphiclus on the ground shrinking from the con- 
test. The back of the seat bears the inscription, '■'■Simulacrum istud ad juagnum 
Libertatis exemplum nee sine ipsa duraturum. HORATIUS GreenOUGH, Faciabat. 
(This statue is for a great example of Liberty, nor without Liberty will the exam- 
ple endure. Horatio Greenough, Sculptor.) The pedestal is iz ft. high, and of 
solid blocks of New England granite. The inscriptions are: S. face, "First in 
Peace;" N., '' First in War; " W., ^ First in the hearts of his Countrymen." A 
better effect for the statute, and particularly softening its necessarily coarse lines, 
would be secured by elevating the pedestal to a height of at least 25 ft. 

In 1840 a United States frigate was despatched by Congress to bring the statue to 
the United States. The hatches, however, were not sufficiently large to admit it 
into the hold. A merchant ship, the Sea, v/as chartered and altered to accommo- 
date the unwieldly mass. In 1841 it arrived and was placed in the rotunda of the 



THE GROUNDS. 



61 



Capitol. The 
main door was 
cut away to ad- 
mit it, and a pier 
of masonry e- 
rected beneath 
the pavement to 
support it. Here 
it wasout of pro- 
portion, and in 
1842 it was re- 
moved to the E. 
Park, where it 
stood for many 
years beneath 
an uncouth shel- 
ter of pine 
boards. The sta- 
tue, while ad- 
mired as a work 
of art, has been 
much criticised 
as a misconcep- 
tion of the char- 
acter in which 
the subject is 
held in the hearts 
of his country- 
men. A foreign 
writer has desig- 
nated it " a sort 
of domestic Ju- 
piter." 

The Capitol 
originally stood 
on the declivity 
of the hill, and 
on the VV. pre- 
sented a story 
below the base 
line on the E. 
To correct this 
defect and great- 
ly enhance the 
imposing ap- 
pearance of the 
structure, the 

semicircular greenough's statue of Washington. 

range of case- . . 

mates, utilized for fuel and storage, was constructed, the outer face forming a beauti- 
ful green glacis. The terre-plcin is paved with Maryland Seneca stone, withan outer 
cap of New England granite. IniSiS the terrace was connected with the building by 
the broad platform opposite the western proiection,and the west door v/as cut through. 
In 1873 the iron railing which enclosed the grounds was removed to give place to an 
enlarged line of enclosure then purchased 

The configuration of tlie iimnediate eminence upon which 
the Capitol 'stands has been materially cliano-ed and beanti- 
fied by the hand of art. The original slopes have been mod- 
ified by terraces and slopes falling to the level of tlie divergent 
avenues. There is also an enlarged line of enclosure, em- 




62 GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

"braciiio' the acquisitioiis of adclitioiiul gToniid. Outside of 
this runs a paved foot walk, witii heavj^ granite curbing, with 
liandsorae lamp-posts, on the line of the thoroughfare. The 
boundary streets are also paved and lighted. 

General Description. — The Capitol of the United States, 
as now completed, is unquestionably the finest and largest 
building of the kind on tlie face of the earth, and does credit 
to the skill of the architects and the taste of the nation. 
In durability of structm-e and costliness of material it is also 
superior to any other. The great edifices of the Old World 
are accumulations of a number of centuries. The Capitol 
of the United States is the stupendous work of less than 
£i single centurj^ The elevated seat, formed by nature and 
art, upon which tlie Capitol stands, is 89J ft. above ordinary 
low tide in the Potomac, 1 mile distant, and is admirably 
adapted to the display of its vast proportions and architectm-e. 
The entire length of the building is 751 ft., and the greatest 
depths the breadth of the wings, 324 ft., including the porticos 
and steps. The ground-plan covers about 3 1 acres. The struc- 
ture in detail consists of a main building and two extensions, 
•with connecting corridors. Tlie main or central building is 
352 ft. in length, and, exclusive of the W. projection, 121 J 
it. deep, with an E. central colonnaded portico 1G9 ft. wide^ 
•consisting of rows of monolithic Corinthian columns, 24 in 
number and 30 ft. high, exclusive of pedestals. The portico 
is elevated on a rustic basement, surmounted by an enriched 
■entablature and pediment, the latter 80 ft. bi'oad. Over this 
rises an attic stor}^, surmounted by the Borne, 135 ft. in diam- 
-eter. In the rear and on either side of this main portico the 
-edifice rests on a basement to cori-espond with that of the 
portico. Above this rises the order, two stories in height, 
with pilasters, an entablature, frieze, and surmounting bal- 
ustrade, carried out in the same architectural design. It is 
proposed, at some future day, to take down this portico, and 
extend the front of the central building E., to bring it at 
least on a line with the E. front of the two extensions, so as 
to perfect the architectural group. Between the original 
building and each of the extensions, which lie at the X. and 
S. ends of the building, is a connecting corridor of 44 ft. in 
length and 56 ft. depth, with four fluted columns on either 
iront. Each extension has a front of 143 ft. facing the E. 
and W., and depth of 239 ft. along the IS", and S. fapades. 
The latter is exclusive of the porticos and steps on the E., 
■which correspond with the main building. 

The fagades of each extension are embellished with porti- 
cos on three sides, those on the E. consisting of 22 fluted 



THE DOME. 63 

monoliihic colmnii^, In two row^, X. iiiid S., and 10 on the 
W. ends, tlie columns facing the X. and S. respective!}^ con- 
stitutino- the X. and S. fronts of the bnildino-. Tiie porticos 
of the X. and S. facades are 124 ft. front. 

The W. front of the main building- presents a central pro- 
jection of 83 ft. by IGO ft. front, witli a recessed colonnade 
100 ft. in extent, consisting- of 10 coupled columns, elevated 
on a rustic basement, as the E. front, and rising-, with its en- 
tablature and balustrade, to the roof, surmounted by a pan- 
eled screen or attic. The rest of the W. front is the same 
as the E. There are no steps on the W. front of tlie main 
building-, it being entered from the upper terrace. The exten- 
sions stand on a foundation of gTanite, raised about 4 ft. on 
all sides ; the basement or ground floor is reached by granite 
steps. On the E. fayade 'are three broad flights of" steps, 
which lead to the commencement of the order. Beneath the 
basement is a sub-basement, visible only and accessible on 
the outside from the casemated terrace on the W. 

The material emploj'ed in the central l)uilding- flrst erected 
is freestone, from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek, 
about 40 m. below the city, purchased by the Commissioners 
in 1791. This is painted, in order to conform in general ap- 
pearance with the wings, which are built of white marble, 
from Lee, Massachusetts. The marble columns of the exten- 
sions are from the quarries at Cockeysville, Maryland, about 
20 m. X. of Baltimore. 

The appropriations made by Congress from 1800 to date 
for the erection, repair, and preservation of the Capitol 
amount to $13,000,000. 

The Dome. — Out of the centre of the main building rises 
the great Dome of the Capitol^ designed by Walter, andS\'hich 
replaced a smaller one removed in 1856. It is of the follow- 
ing dimensions : 

Exterior Height— ahoye the base line of the E. fapade of the 
Capitol to tlie top of the lantern, 288 ft.; above the ^Y. gate 
of tJjc park, 3G0 ft.; above the balustrade of the building,' 218 
ft.; statue of Freedom on the apex, 19i ft. Total heiglit f rom 
base line to crest of statue of Freedom, 307i ft. Total lieight 
above low tide in the Potomac, 397 ft. Diameter, 135i ft. 

The Dome rests on an octagonal base or stglohate, 93 ft. 
above the basement floor, and as it leaves the top line of the 
building consists of a peristole, 124 ft. in diameter, of 3G iron 
fluted columns, 27 ft. high, and weighing 6 tons each. Above 
this is a balustrade. From the entablature of the peristjde 
to the attic is 44 ft. Above the balustrade begins the domi- 
cal covering. The apex is surmounted by a Jantern, 15 ft. in 



64 



THE DOME. 



diameter and 50 ft. high, snrroiinded bj^ a peristyle, and 
crowned by the bronze Statue of Freedom. Just below the 
lantern is si balustrade around the crowning platform. The 
outer domical shell is pierced with glazed openings for the 
admission of light. In the lantern is a reflecting lamp, lighted 
by electricity, and used only when either or both Houses of 
Congress are sitting at night. This light is visible from all 
parts of the citj''. 
The Statue of Freedom, by Crawford, 1865, which sur- 
mounts the lantern of the Dome, rep- 
resents the figure of a female, the r. 
hand resting on the hilt of a sheathed 
sword; the 1. on a shield, and holding 
a wreath. The crest of the helmet con- 
sists of an eagle's beak, embellished 
with i3lumes of featliers. This head- 
gear was not the conception of the 
artist, but an after-suggestion. The 
original model represented a simple 
head-band, encircled with stars. The 
drapery of the figure is both chaste and 
striking. Over an inner garb is a fur- 
red robe, tastefully adjusted over the 
1. shoulder and falling over the 1. arm ; 
at the waist it is gathered in loose folds, 
and held bj^ a brooch, bearing the let- 
ters IT. S. The attitude of tiie statue 
exhibits in a stiiiking degree the beauty 
of feminine grace with decision. The 
statue is 19| ft. high, and the weight of 
bronze 14,985 lbs., or 6 tons (2,240 lbs.) 
and 1,545 Hbs. It was cast at Clark 
Mills' foundry at Bladensburg, 5 m. 
NE. of AV'ashington, and cost 623,796. The statue stands on 
a bronze capping for the Dome, representing ft, globe, with 
an encircling zone, upon whicli are the words "^ Fhirihus 
Unum.'''' The weight of iron used in the Dome is 8,009,200 
lbs., or 3,575 tons (2,240) 1,200 lbs. The Dome stands upon 
a substruction of masonry, wliich forms the foundation of the 
outside walls, and also upon 40 interior columns, which sup- 
port lieavy arches, upon which rests the pavement of the 
Kotunda. The casting and erecting of the iron work of the 
immense structure was done by Janes, Beebe & Co., New 
York. There are two smaller domes and a number of lan- 
terns and skylights. The roofoi the entire building is cov- 
ered with copper. 




5TATUt; OF FREEDOM. 



PORTICOS. 65 

The following are the dimensions of the three g-reatest 
domes of Europe : 

St. Peter- s, Rome, from the pavement to the base of the 
lantern, 405 ft. ; to the top of the cross outside, 458 ft.; ex- 
terior diameter of tlie cupola, 195J ft, ; interior, 139 ft. St. 
PauFs, London, England, to the top of the cross, 404 ft.; 
diameter, 112 ft. Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France, over 
the Tomb of :N'apoleon, 323 ft. 

It will be seen tliat the Dome of the Capitol of the United 
United States ranks fifth in hei<>-ht and fourth in diameter. 
Tlie dome of the Cathedral of St.^Isaac, at St. Petersburg, the 
"NTatioual Church of Russia, is 303 ft. in height, and is also a 
magnificent structure, built of iron and bronze. 

Porticos. — Tlie E. facade of the Capitol is broken by three 
grand porticos, reached b}^ broad flights of steps, and from 
which open the tln-ee principal doorways. Beneath each of 
thes3 porticos are massive vaulted carriageways to the base- 
ment entrances, the centre one of which opens into the Crypt. 
The main Portico, 100 ft. in lengtli, consists of 24 monolitliic 
colunnis, 30 ft. high. On the tympanum of the pediment is 
an allegorical group in alto relievo^ by Persico, an Italian, 
representing the Genius of America. The principal figure, 
representing America, is of semi-colossal size, and standing 
on a broad \madorned plinth, holding in her hand a poised 
shield, with U. S. A. emblazoned in the centre of a ray of 
glory. The shield, which is oval, represents an ornamented 
altar, in the centre of which is a wreath of oak leaves, in basso 
relievo, encircling July 4, 1770. In the rear of the figure rests 
a broad spear, and at her feet an eagle, with partly-spread 
wings. The head of the figure is crowned with a star, and 
inclines towards the figure of " Hope," who is addressing her. 
Tlie right arm of "Hope " is raised, and tlie left rests on the 
stock of an anchor, the hand grasping part of the drapery. 
The Grcnius of America, in reply to Hope, who is recounting 
the glory of the nation, points to the figure on the other side, 
which represents Justice, w^ith eyes uplifted, and holding in 
the right hand a partly-unrolled scroll, on whicli is inscribed 
'' Co'nstitution of the United States," and in the left the scales. 
Justice has neither bandage nor sword, representing that 
American justice judges intelligently. The emblematic char- 
acter of the group suggests that, however Hope may flatter, 
all prosperity should be founded in public right and the pres- 
ervation of the Constitution. The execution of the work is 
excellent, but cannot be entirely appreciated from its raised 
position. All the figures are cut in sandstone, and 7-i- ft. in 
height. The sculptor at first contemplated giving more 
.5 



66 PORTICOS. 

nudity to the group, but being i)ersuacled that it was con- 
trary to the sentiment of tlie people of the United States, ^^'ent 
to the other extreme. The ascent to this portico is by an im- 
posing flight of freestone steps, flanlved on either side by mas- 
sive buttresses. On the S. buttress stands a semi-colossal 
group of statuary by Persico, an Italian, 1846, representing 
the Discovery of America^ in a figure of Columbus, holding 
aloft a small globe, on the top of which is inscribed America 
At his side crouches an astonished and awe-stricken Indian 
maiden. The group consumed 5 years in execution, and 
cost 824,000. It is said that the armor is true to a rivet, hav- 
ing been copied from a suit in the palace of the descendants 
of the discoverer at Genoa. Tlie corresponding group on 
the I^. buttress, by Gi-eenough, 1842, represents the First Set- 
tlement of America^ consisting of five figures : a hunter rescu- 
ing a woman and child from the murderous Indian, wliile by 
the side is a faithful dog. The work consumed about 12 
j^ears in execution, and cost 824,000. It is of Servazza mar- 
ble. Persico was first designated to make this group. In the 
niches on the r. and 1. of the great Bronze Door, opening into 
the Rotunda, are the colossal statues of Peace and Wm\ botli 
b}'' Persico, 1832. Peace is represented by the Goddess Ceres, 
a gentle maiden, with loose flowing robes and sandals. In 
her r. hand she bears fruit, and her 1. an olive branch. War 
is represented by Mars, a stern warrior, attired in Roman 
toga, belt, and tunic, with helmet and sandals. The tunic 
bears the symbols of his victims. The statues are of the 
finest quality of Cararra marble, each 9 ft. in height, were 
5 years in execution, and cost $12,000 apiece. Both are fine 
specimens of art. Over the Bronze Door is a basso relievo by 
Capellano, 1827, representing Fame and Peace in the act of 
placing a laurel wreath upon the brow of Washington. In 
panels on either side are bundles of radiating arrows, with 
surroundings of leaves. 

The E. Portico of the North or Senate Extension is reached 
by a broad flight of 46 marble steps, broken by 4 landings, 
and flanked by massive cheek-blocks, carrying out the design 
of the central Portico. This portico measures 143 ft., and is 
adorned by a double row of monolithic Corinthian columns, 
22 in all, 30 ft. high, exclusive of base, and is surmounted 
by a pediment of 72 ft. span. The group of figures on the 
Tympanum, by Thomas Crawford, symbolizes the Progress 
of Civilization in the United States. The centre figure repre- 
sents America, with the rising sun in the background. On 
her r. are figures of War and Connnerce, Youth and Educa- 
tion, Mechanics and Agriculture. On her 1. the Pioneer, the 
Hunter, and the Aboriginal Race. The latter is represented 



MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 



67 




by iin Indian and sqnaw, with an infant in her arms, seated 
by a filled grave, typical of the decadence of the red race. 
This o-ronp,"ordered in 1862, was cut by Italians, out of Amer- 
ican marble from Massachusetts, and cost 645,950. 

The E. Portico of the Soiith or '"''House'''' Extension^ in arclii- 
tectural design, dimensions, and material, is the same as 
that of the IST. Extension. The portico is without statuary 
or sculptured embellishment ; yet, with its beautiful marJDle 
columns supporting the entablature and surmounting pedi- 
ment, it is grand in its nude proportions. 

The W. fa9ade, the central projection and extensions, and 
the N. and S. faces of the building, are decorated with col- 
onnades, of beautiful proportions, and surmounted by balus- 
trades, all in harmony with the porticos on the E. 

Main Bronze Door. — The great Bronze Door, designed and 
modeled in Eome, in 1858, by 
Randolph Eogers, and cast in 
bronze in Munich in 1860 by F. 
V. Miller, fills the main door- 
way, from the grand Portico 
into the Rotunda. The leaves 
or valves of tbn door, winch is 
double, stand in a superbly en- 
riched casing, also of bronze, 
and, opened, fold back into suit- 
ablj^ fitted jambs. The entire 
height is 19 ft; width, 9 ft.; 
weighs 20,000 lbs, and cost $28,- 
000. Eacli leaf is divided into 
8 panels, in addition to the 
ti-ansom-panel under the arch. 
Each of these contains a com- 
plete scene, in alto relievo. The 
back of the door is finished with 
a simple star in the centre of 
each panel, corresponding with 
the front. A plain molding re- 
lieves the blank space of each. 

The great Bronze Door is a credit to the 
magnificence and magnitude of the Capi- 
tol. In 1S62, contrary to the views of Mr. 
Walter, Architect of the Capitol, it was 
placed in the S. doorway of the old Hall of 
Representatives, now the Hall of Statuary. 
MAIN BRONZE DOOB. In 1S71 it was removed, and has since 

(i?eepages63, 60.) properly constituted the main door to the 

Capitol. In the event of the projection of this portico to the east line of the Exten- 
sions, the Bronze Door, it is suggested by the architect, should form the inner or 
vestibule door, where the architecture should be in harmony v/ith its design. 



A 

C 


15 



13 
11 













■ 

16 

14 
12 
10 


B 
D 


IV 


2 


1 


VI 












in 


4 


3 


VII 












II 


6 


5 


VIII 












I 


8 


7 


IX 





i 
















68 MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 

The events portrayed on the door constitute the principal 
events in the Life of Columbus and the Discovery of 
America, with an ornate enrichment of emblematic de- 
signs. On the key of the arch of the casing is a Head of 
Columbus; a very excellent piece of facial execution. On 
the sides of the casing are four admirable typical statuettes, 
placed in niches at the top and bottom of the door, and 
arranged chronologically: A, Asia; B, Africa; C, Europe; 
D, America. The rest of tlie casing is embellished with a 
running border of ancient armor, banners, and heraldic de- 
signs ; and at the bottom, on either side, an anchor — all in 
hasso relievo., and emblematic of Navigation and Conquest. 
On the frame of each leaf of the door, set in niches, are six- 
teen statuettes of tlie patrons and contemporaries of Colum- 
bus. Thc^y are given as nearly as possible in the order of the 
importance of their association with the promulgation and 
execution of his theory, or in the extension of the range of 
geographical exploration inaugurated by him. The first 8 
figures are associated in pairs when the doors are closed; 
when opened, they are divided, but should be examined in 
the order of the references. 

1. Alexander VI, Roderigo Lcnzoli Borgia, a native of Spain, Pope of Rome 
1492-150 J. 

2. Pedro Gonzales dc Mendoza, Archbishop of Toledo, and Grand Cardinal of 
Spain, a man of great influence at court, and early patron of Columbus. 

J. Ferdinand, King of Spain, royal patron of the undertaking of Columbus. 

4. Isabella, Queen of Spain, and royal patroness of Columbus. 

5. Charles VIII, King of France, an enlightened monarch and friend to the cause 
of discovery. 

6. Lady Beatriz de Bobadilla, Marchioness of Moya, and friend of Columbus. It 
is said that the likeness is of Mrs. Rogers, wife to the sculptor. 

7. John II, King of Portugal, the monarch who rejected the proposals of Colum- 
bus. 

8. Henry VII, King of England, appealed to by Bartholomew Columbus on behalf 
of his brother; meantime the discovery was accomplished under the auspices of 
Spain. 

9. Juan Perez de Marchena, prior of the Convent of La Rabida, and friend to 
Columbus. 

10. Martin Alonzo Pinzon, commander of the Pinta, the second vessel in the first 
fleet across the ocean. 

11. Hernando Cortez, early companion of Columbus, and conqueror of Mexico. 

12. Bartholomew Columbus, brother to Christopher, advocate of his theory at the 
court of Henry VII, and first Adelentado of Hispaniola. It is said that the likenesf 
is of the sculptor. 

13. Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in his first voyage of discovery, 
and one of the most daring of his contemporaries. 

14. Vasco Nunez de Balboa, discoverer of the Pacific Ocean from the Isthmus of 
Darien. 

15. Amerigo Vespucci, oneof the earlier discoverers of the main land of America, 
author of the first account of the New World, and from whom the continent takes its 
name. 

16. Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru. 



MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 69 

'I'he panels illustrate in alio relievo the leading events in the 
career of Columbus, beginning- at the lower paiiel of the r. or 
S. leaf of the door. 

I. Columbus examined before the Council of Salamanca respecting his theory 
of the globe, which was rejected. 

II. Departure of Columbus for the Spanish court from the Convent of La Rabida, 
near Palos. 

III. Audience at the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. 

IV. Departure of Columbus from Palos on his first voyage of discovery. 

V. Transom panel, Columbus landed on the Island of San Salvador, and talcing 
possession in the name of his sovereign. 
VI. Encounter with the natives. 

VII. Triumphal entree of Columbus into Barcelona. 
VIII. Columbus in chains. 

IX. The death-bed of Columbus. He died at Valladolid, May 20, 1506, aged 70 
years. His last words were: " In rnanus tuas^ Domine^ commendo spiritum ?neum.'' 
"Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Thirty years after his remains 
were transferred to the Cathedral of San Domingo, on the island of that name. In 
1796, when the Spaniards lost their hold on the island, they were removed to Havana. 

Between the panels are a series of heads, representing tlie 
historians of the voj'ages of Colninbiis and his followers. That 
above the lower or N. panel of tlie door is Washingtoa Irving^ 
and in tlie corresponding position opposite W. 11. PrescotL 

The three most celebrated bronze doors of Europe are in Florence, in the Church 
of the Baptistry of St. John. The centre one, by Lorenzo Ghibcrti, i420-'5o, con- 
sumed 30 years in execution, and illustrates scenes in the Old Tostament. Michael 
Angelo declared this gate worthy to be the portal of Paradise. The others arc by 
Andrea Pisano, 1330, and Ghiberti, i400-''20. The latter illustrates scenes in the 
New Testament. 

Eotunda. — From the central Portico, passing througli the 
great Bronze Door, the visitor stands under the lofty canopy 
of tlie Eotunda. The height from pavement to canopy is 
180 ft., and diameter 96 ft. The circuit of the sides is di- 
vided into eight panels, separated by massive Koman pilas- 
ters, supporting an entablature ornamented with wreaths of 
olive. Festoons of elaborately traced flowers, scrolls, and 
wreaths embellish the upper portions of these panels. Tlie 
wreaths over the panels encircle busts of Columbus^ 1. of W. 
door; Cahot^ 1. of E. door; Raleigh., r. of W. door; and La 
Salle, r. of E. door, four names most conspicuouslj^ identilied 
witii the history of the early discovery and exploration of tlie 
]Sr. American continent, executed by Capellano and Cauciei. 
Italians, lX)th pupils of Canova, ordered in 1827. and cost, with 
the frieze and wreath-work, 89,500. Over the four entrance? 
are historical subjects in alto relievo^ ordered in 1820, cost 
each 63,500. 

E. Door. — Landing of the Pilgrims, 1620 : Cauciei, a pupiJ 
of Canova. W. Boor. — Pocahontas Saving the Life of Cap- 
tain Smith : Capellano, 1821, a pupil of Canova. .A^. Door.— 



70 ROTUNDA. 

William Penn Holding a Conference with the Indians^ 1682 : 
Gavelot, 1827. S. Door. — Daniel Boone in Conflict with the 
Indians., 1773 : Caucici. All these are wretched caricatures. 

It is designed to ornament the frieze, 300 ft. in length, with 
sculpture, representing the history of the United States, and 
make other improvements in this part of the Capitol. In the 
panels between the doors of the Rotunda are historical paint- 
ings., four illustrating the discovery and settlement of iSTorth 
America, and four the leading events in the struggle for in- 
dependence. 

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.— 
Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting in the 
panel on the r. of the S. door represents the memorable 
Congress of 1776 at the moment of signing that instrument 
of American liberty. In the disposition of the characters the 
artist consulted Jefferson and Adams, both of whom were 
present. The style of dress, the furniture, and the liall itself, 
are exact reproductions of the time and place. The promi- 
nent group of figures on the r. in the painting are Jefferson 
of Va., the author of the instrument before named, Adams 
of Mass., Franklin of Penn., Hancock of Mass., Rutledge of 
S. C, and Thompson of Penn. For variety of composition, 
the Committee of Five are represented as having advanced in 
a body to the President's table, instead of reporting in the 
usual form, through their chairman. The rigid dignity of the 
scene and the expression of determination on every counte- 
nance will be observed. 

The names of the individuals represented, commencing on 
the observer's left (the right of the picture) and following the 
line towards the r. are — 

I, George Wythe, of Va.; 2, William Whipple, and j, Josiah Bartlett, of N. H.; 
4, Benjamin Harrison, of Va.; 5, Thomas Lynch, of S. C; 6, Richard Henry Lee, 
of Va.; 7, Samuel Adams, of Mass.; 8, George Clinton, of N. Y.; 9, William Paca, 
and 10, Samuel Chase, of Md.; 11, Lewis Morris, and 12, William Floyd, of N. Y.; 
13, Arthur Middleton, and 14, Thomas Hcyward, of S. C; 15, Charles Carroll, of 
Md.; 16, George Walton, of Ga.; 17, Robert Morris, 18, Thomas Willing, and 19, 
Benjamin Rush, of Penn.; 20, Elbridge Gerry, and 21, Robert Treat Paine, of Mass.; 
22, Abraham Clark, of N. J.; 2j, Stephen Hopkins, and 24, William Ellery, of R. I.; 
25, George Clymer, of Penn.; 26, William Hooper, and 27, Joseph Hewes, of N. C; 
28, James Wilson, of Penn.; 29, Francis Hopkinson, of N. J.; jo, John Adams, of 
Mass.; 31, Roger Sherman, of Conn., 32, Robert L. Livingston, of N. Y.; 33, Thomas 
Jefferson, of Va.; 34, Benjamin Franklin, of Penn.; 35, Richard Stockton, N. J.; 36, 
Francis Lewis, N. Y.; 37, John Witherspoon, of N. J.; 38, Samuel Huntington, 39, 
William Williams, and 40, Oliver Wolcott, of Conn.; 41, John Hancock, of Mass.; 
42, Charles Thompson, of Penn.; 43, George Read, Del.; 44, John Dickinson, of 
Penn.; 45, Edward Rutledge, of S. C; 46, Thomas McKean, of Del.; and 47, 
Philip Livingston, of N. Y. 

The Surrender of Burgoynb, October, 1777.— Trum- 
bull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting in the pan- 
el on the 1. of the W. door represents the surrender of the 



ROTrNDA. 



71 




Briiiiiiiiiiiifmii i" 



8ECTI0NAL VIEW OF THE DOME. 
(From " Waabington Inside and Outside. "> 



72 ROTUNDA. 

British Gen. Biirgoyne to the American Gen. Gates at Sara- 
toga. Tlie scene poitrayed represents Burgoyne, attended 
by Gen. Pliillips and other officers, dismounted, and near the 
raarquee of the American commander, offering his sword to 
Gen. Gates, who advances, bnt declines to receive the token 
of submission, and invites the fallen general into his quar- 
ters. On the r. of Gates is a group of the principal officers 
of the American army of the IS". In the background will be 
observed the British army at the confluence of Fish Creek and 
J^. Kiver. The troops, in long lines, under the direction of 
Col. Lewis, Quartermaster General of the American army, 
and headed by American, British, and Gorman officers, are 
moving across the creek and meadows towards the place of 
surrender in tlie foreground. 

The portraits introduced, beginning on the observer's left, 
are — 

I, Maj. Lithgow, of Mass.; i. Col. Cilly, and ?, Gen. Starke, of N. H.; 4. Capt. 
Seymour, of Conn., of Sheldon's Horse ; 5, Maj. Hull, and 6, Col. Greaton, of Mass.; 
7, Maj. Dearborn, and 8, Col. Scammell, of N."H.; 9, Col. Lewis, of N. Y., Quarter- 
master General; 10, Maj. Gen. Phillips, of the British army; il, Lieut. Gen. Bur- 
goyne, Commander of the British forces; 12, Gen. Baron Reidesel, of the British 
army, (German); 13, Col. Wilkinson, Deputy Adjutant General of the American 
army; 14, Gen. Gates, Commander of the American forces; 15, Col. Prescott, of 
Mass. Volunteers; 16, Col. Morgan, of the Va. Riflemen; 17, Brig. Gen. Rufus 
Putnam, and 18, Lieut. Col. Brooks, of Mass ; 19, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, of R. 1., 
Chaplain ; 20, Maj. Robert Troup, of N. Y., Aid-de-Camp ; 21, Maj. Haskell, of 
Mass.; 22, Maj. (after Gen.) Armstrong, Aid-de-Camp; 2j, Maj. Gen. Philip Schuy- 
ler, of N. Y.; 24, Brig. Gen. Glover, of Mass.; 25, Brig. Gen. Whipple, of the N. 
H. Militia; 26, Maj. Clarkson, of N. Y., Aid-de-Camp; and 27, Maj. Stevens, of 
Mass., commanding artillery. 

The Subrender of Cornwallis, October, 1781.— 
Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting on the 
r. of the W. door represents the closing scene in the contest 
between the Colonies and the mother country, tlie surrender 
of tlie army of Lord Cornwallis to the Americans at York- 
town, Virginia. 

The event is associated with an incident which should be 
borne in mind in order to comprehend what might seem out 
of keeping. About 18 months before the surrender, Gen. 
Lincoln, in command of the American forces at Charleston, 
S. C, had been obliged to capitulate to the British. Lord 
Cornwallis at that time refused to allow the American com- 
mander to march out of the city with colors flying and other 
honors customary under the circumstances. The terms of 
surrender accorded to Lord Cornwallis in this instance were 
the same as he had granted to Gen. Lincoln. Gen. Wash- 
ington, the Commander-in-Chief, and to whom the honor of 
receiving the surrender was due, appointed Gen. Lincoln to 
superintend the submission of the British, in the same man- 



ROTUNDA. 73 

ner a>; I he American Gen. and his troops had been treated at 
Charleston. 

Tlie American forces will be seen in order of battle on the 
r. of the road leading into York ; Washington and the Ameri- 
can general otKcers resting on the r. of the line. The French 
troops face the Americans from the opposite side of the road, 
with Gen. Kochambean and the cliief otScers of the French 
army and navy on tlieir 1. The Britisli troops, with slioul- 
dere'd arms, colors cased, and drnms beating, are tiling out of 
the town, approaching the two lines of the victorious Ameri- 
cans and French to the place of surrender, from whence, liav- 
ing grounded and left their arms, they will march back un- 
armed to their quarters. 

The scene itself represents Lord Cornwallis and his chief 
officers, under the direction of Gen. Lincoln, passing the op- 
posite groups of American and French generals and entering 
between the two lines of the victors. By this disposirion the 
chief actors in the scene are brought out boldly. In tiie dis- 
tance the town of York is visible, with the conquered troops 
marching out. York Eiver and the Chesapeake Bay are also 
brought in, and allbrd a general idea of the topographical sur- 
roundings. It may bo added, with respect to the French offi- 
cers, that their portraits were obtained fi'om Paris, in 1787, 
and were taken from life, at the residence of Mr. Jelterson, 
th(Mi Minister of tlie United States to France. 

The following are the portraits given, commencing on the 
observer's 1. : 

I, Count Deuxponts; 2, Duke de Laval Montmorency, and 3, Count Cuscine, 
Cols, of French Infantry; 4. Duke de Lauzun, Col. of French Cavalry; 5, Gen. 
Choizy ; 6, Viscount Viomeuil; 7, Marquis de St. Simon; 8, Count Fersen, and 
9, Count Dumas, Aids-de-Camp to Count Rochambeau; 10, Marquis Chastellux; 
II, Baron Viomeuil; 12, Count de Barre and Count de Grasse, Admirals in the 
French Navy; 14, Count Rochambeau, Gen.-in-Chief of the French forces; 15, 
Gen. Lincoln, American Army ; 16, Col. Stevens, .imerican Artillery ; 17, Gen. 
Washington, Commander-in-Chief; 18, Thomas Nelson, Gov. of Va. ; 19, Mar- 
quis Lafayette; 20, Baron Steuben; 21, Col. Cobb, Aid-de-Camp to Gen. Wash- 
ington ; 22, Col. Trumbull, Secretary to Gen. Washington ; 2J. Maj. Gen. Clinton, 
of N. Y. ; 24, Gen. Gist, of Md. ; 25, Gen. Wayne, of Penn. ; 26," Gen. Hand, of 
Penn., Adjutant General; 27, Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, of Penn.; 28, Maj. Gen. 
Knox, Commander of Artillery; 29, Lieut. Col. Huntingdon, acting Aid to Gen. 
Lincoln; 30, Col. Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General ; 31, Col. Alexander 
Hamilton, commanding Light Infantry ; 32, Col. Laurens, of S. C. ; 33, Col. Wal- 
ter Stuart, of Penn., and 34, Col. Nicholas Fish, of N. Y. 

Resignation of Generax Washington, Dec. 23, 1783 : 
Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost 68.000. The painting on the 
1. of the N. door represents Washington returning his com- 
mission to the President of Congress. The great contest 
was over. Peace had been proclaimed. That great patriot 
had Avithdrawn from the army at Xew York, on which occa- 
sion many of those who were thus to be forever deprived of 



74 ROTUNDA. 

his leadership shed tears. It was Dec. 23, 1783, in the State 
House at Annapolis, Maryland. The patriot commander was 
surrounded by his officers, in the presence of the CongTess 
of the infant liepnblic, and was now about to restore to Con- 
gress his commission, and with it the authorit}^ with which 
they had invested him in the dark and trying times of the 
war. He had completed a touching- address. After con- 
gi-atulating Congress upon the successful issue of the con- 
Sict, expressing his obligations to the army, and committing 
the future to the protection of Almighty God, he closed with 
the words; ''Having now Unished the work assigned me, I 
retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an allec- 
tionate farewell to tliis august body, under whose orders I 
have so long acted, I here otter my commission, and take my 
leave of all the employments of public life." It maybe men- 
tioned, as a coincidence, that the President of Congress was, 
in 1775, tiie tirst aid-de-camp to tlie illustrious general. 

The portraits introduced, commencing on the observer's 
left, are — 

I, Thomas Mifflin, of Penn., President of Congress; 2, Charles Thompson, of 
Penn.; J, Klbridge Gerry, of Mass, j 4, Hugh Williamson, of N. C. ; 5, Samuel 
Osgood, of Mass. ; 6, Edward McComb, of Del. ; 7, George Partridge, of Mass. ; 
8, Edward Lloyd, of Md. ; 9, R. D. Spaight, of N. C; 10, Benjamin Hawkins, cf 
N. C. ; II, A. Foster, of N. H. ; 12, Thomas Jefferson and Arthur Lee, of Va. ; 
14, David Howell, of R. L; 15, James Monroe, of Va. ; and 16, Jacob Reed, of S. 
C, all members of Congress; 17, James Madison, of Va., spectator; 18, William 
Ellery, of R. L ; 19, Jeremiah Townley Chase, of Md. ; 20, S. Hardy, of Va. ; and 
21, Charles .Morris, of Penn., members of Congress; 22, General Washington, of 
Va. ; 23, Cols. Walker and Humphreys, aids-de-camp; 25 and 26, Gens Small- 
wood and Williams, and 27 and 28, Cols. Smith and Howard, of Md. ; 29, Charles 
Carroll and two daughters, of Md. ; jo, Mrs. Washington and her three grand- 
children ; and 31, Daniel Jenifer of St. Thomas, of Md., spectators. 

In the corresponding panels on the opposite or E. side of 
the Rotunda, beginning on the 1. of the S. door leading to 
the House of Representatives, are four paintings of historical 
events connected with the discovery and early settlement of 
America. 

Baptism of Pocahontas, 1613: Chapman. Ordered 
1836, cost $10,000. The scene is at Jamestown, in Vii'ginia, 
the tirst permanent wdiite settlement on the American con- 
tinent. Pocahontas, the daughtei- of the Indian king Pow- 
hatan, had already given evidence of her attaclmient for the 
whites, and had saved the settlement from extirpation at the 
hands of her ruthless people. Tiie Indian princess is in the 
act of receiving the sacred rite of baptism. John Rolfe, her 
future husband, stands by her side . The relatives of the prin- 
cess are present. Her uncle, with revengeful look, watches 
the scene. 

The portraits introduced, commencing on the observer's 1.,, 
are — 



ROTUNDA. 75 

I, Stanaard Bearer; z, the Page j j, John and Ann Laydon, first married in the 
countrv- ; 4, Sir Thomas Dale; 5, Alexander Whitaker; 6, Hans Spilman; 7, Po- 
cahontas; 8, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest, first settlers; 9, John Rolfe; 10, Sister to Poca- 
hontas; n, Nantequas, brotherto Pocahontas; 12, Opechaucanough; IJ, Opachisco, 
uncle to Pocahontas; 14, Richard Whifiin. 

Discovery of the ]Mississippi River by De Soto, 
Maj^ir)41: Powell. Ordered 1850, cost $12,000. The paint- 
ing is intended to represent De Soto and his party arriv- 
ing on the banks of the Mississippi, after a toilsome march 
through swamp and forest from distant Florida. The paint- 
ing, however, does not verify histor5^ The discoverers had 
enclured great privations, and, ragged and worn, took to the 
river in canoes, in hopes of escape from their siiilerings. De 
Soto succumbed to the fatigues of the march, and was buried 
in the river. On the r. will be seen tlie Mississippi, filled with 
green islands, and canoes laden with savages approaching or 
landing on the banks near at hand. 

The "portraits and prominent characters and objects repre- 
sented, commencing on the observer's 1., are — 

I, Soldier dressing his wounded leg; 2, a young Spanish cavalier; J, a confessor j 
4, a group cf standard bearers and hclmeted men ; 5, a cannon being placed in po- 
sition by artille.'-ymen ; 6, a Moorish servant; 7, De Soto mounted; 8, camp chesty 
with arms, helmets, and other accoutrements and implements of war; 9, two young 
Indian maidens ; 10, Indian chiefs- bringing the pipe of peace ; 1 1, old priest bless- 
ing the cross; 12, ecclesiastic bearing the censer; 13, stalwart men planting the 
cross. 

The first engagement for a picture to fill this panel was with 
Henry Inman . The artist liowever died before the completion 
of 1 lis work, and the picture was abandoned. 

Landing of Columbus, October 12, 1492: Vanderlyn. 
Ordered 1842, cost 610.000. This painting represents Colum- 
bus, accompanied by his principal officers and a few attend- 
ants, already landed on the Island of Guanahani, one of the 
Baliama Islands, and the first land discovered . The successful 
discoverer is in the act of proclaiming possession in the name 
of the king and queen of Spain. In the distance groups of 
seamen are giving expression to their joy; two figures near 
are contending for glittering particles in the sand.' The fleet 
at anclior in the distance. A peculiarly tropical haze pervades 
the atmosphere. 

The following are the principal characters represented, 
commencing on the observer's 1. : 

I, Alonzo de Ojeda ; 2, cabin boy kneeling; 3, Rodrigo Sanchez, inspector; 4, 
Vincent Yanez, standard bearer; 5, Martin Alonzo Pinzon, standard bearer; 6> 
mutineer repentant ; 7, Rodrigo de Escobedo, notary ; 8, Columbus ; 9, soldier look- 
ing at the natives; 10, sailor's veneration of Columbus; 11, friar bearing the cross. 

Embarkation of the Pilgrims from Delft-Haven, in 
Holland, July 21, 1620, O. S. : Weir. Ordered 1836, cost 
$10,000, Represents the Puritan fathers about to brave the 



76 ROTUNDA. 

dangers of the stormy Atlantic for an asylum in the wilds of 
America, where they might enjoy the blessings of civil and 
religious liberty. 

Tiie following portraits are introduced, commencing on the 
observer's 1. : 

I, boy of Mrs. Winslow; 2, Mr. and Mrs. Winslow; 3, Mr. and Mrs. White } 
4, boy of Mrs. Winslow j 5, Mrs. Brewsier and child; 6, Elder William Brewster; 
7, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller; 8, William Bradford; 9, Gov. Carver; 10, nurse and 
child; II, Mrs. Carver and child ; 12, William Robinson, pastor of the congrega- 
tion; 13, Mrs. Bradford; 14, Captain Reynolds; 15, boy of Gov. Carver; 16, 
Miles Standish and wife Rose. 

The domical ceiling, viewed from the pavement of the 
Eotunda consists of an inner shell, over which is the mas- 
sive iron covering of the Dome. The canopy stands at a 
height of 180 ft. above the pavement, and measures 65^ ft. 
in dameter, and 21 ft. perpendicular height. The canopy is 
ornamented with a variety of figures in fresco, combining 
allegory and historj^, executed by C. Brumidi. The central 
group, which occupies the apex of the ceiling, represents a 
deification of Washington, the Father of American Liberty. 
On his r. is Freedom, and on his 1. Victory. In the foreground 
are 13 female figures, representing the original States of 
the American Union. These figures form a crown and sup- 
port a band, upon which are the appropriate words E Pluri- 
hus Unum. The figures begin with ]Srew Hampshire, on the 
1. of Victory, and follow insemi-circular procession, accord- 
ing to their geographical order. The drapery, decoration, 
and coloring are designed to indicate the products and situa- 
tion of the States represented. Around the base of the can- 
opy, which measures about 204 ft., are 6 emblematic groups, 
designed as an allegory of the Revolution, 1776-'83. These 
groups begin at the W. 

1. The Fall of Tyranny. — Represented by Freedom and an Eagle battling 
Avith Tyranny and Priestcraft; a mailed soldier vainly struggling to uphold the 
ermined robe of royalty. Discord stands by; also Anger and Revenge, with the 
incendiary torch. 

2. Agriculture, towards the N. — Represented by Ceres, with cornucopia. 
America, wearing a red Cap of Liberty, turning over to Ceres the mastery of a pair 
of horses attached to a reaper. Flora is gathering flowers, and Pomona bears a basket 
of fruit. 

3. Mechanics. — Represented by Vulcan, resting his r. foot on a cannon, and 
around are the various instruments of his art, with mortars and cannon balls. 

In the E. is — 

4. Commerce. — Represented by Mercury, holding a bag of gold, and directing 
attention to it. The figure thus called is Robert Morris, the financier of the Revo- 
lution. Merchandise, with men at work, and two sailors, pointing to a gunboat, 
complete the allegory. 

5. Marine. — Representing Neptune in his car, bearing his trident, accompanied 
by attendants, emerging from the deep. Amphrodite, Venus, is about dropping 
.into the foaming waters an electric cable, which has been handed her by a cherub. 

6. Arts and Sciences. — Represented by Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom, 



ASCENT OF THE DOME. 77 

surrounded by figures — Fra'.-iclin, the philosopher; Fulton, the inventor of the 
steamboat; and Morse, the inventor of the magnetic telegraph. The figures of 
iuveniles indicate teaching. 

These frescoes cover nearly 5,000 sq. ft. They iiuiy be 
viewed from different points hi the ascent of tlie Dome. As 
they are approaelied they inei-ease in size. Seen from the 
bahistrade beneatli the canopy, they are of colossal propor- 
tions. Sufflcient lig-lit by day is thrown in from the openings 
in the outer shell of the Dome. At night hundreds of gas 
Jets, lighted by electricity, illuminate riot only the canopy, 
but the entire interior of the Dome. 

These frescoes were ordk red in 1864, and cost $50,000, of 
which $39,000 was paid foi compensation of the artist and as- 
sistants, and the balance for materials. 

Ascent of the Dome. — The stairway inside the tirst door ou 
the 1., after leaving the rotunda on tlie ]S\, leads to the top 
of the dome. At the head of the tirst flight of steps on the 
r. is the entrance to the hattery and electric gas-Uglituig ap- 
paratus^ to which a visit should be made. Ileturning and 
continuing the ascent, an opportunity is alrbrded of studying- 
the mechanism of the immense structure overhead. A small 
door at the top of an intricate flight of steps opens between 
tlie inner and outer shells. On the inside is a range of arches, 
affording a view of the rotunda and canopy. A short distance 
above a doorway opens under an imposing peristyle of 3(3 iron 
columns. The next door opens upon a balustrade above. The 
last ascent is by an abrupt tlight of steps over the inner shelly 
which leads to the platform immediatel j'^ beneatli the canopy. 
This point affords a closer view of Brumidi's allegory, a de- 
scription of wliich will be found elsewhere. This platform 
makes a fine whispering gallery. Another flight of steps 
leads to the crowning platform, from which the most exten- 
sive view of the city may be had. 

Panoramic View of the City. — With the assistance of the 
maps of the city and District, the stranger will be able to ac- 
quaint himself with the most prominent features in the view. 
Looking towards the E., on the 1. is the Asylum for the Deaf 
and Dumb, and on the r., beyond the Anacostia, tlie Asylum 
for the Insane. On the S. may be seen the Anacostia uniting- 
with the broad current of the Potomac. On the point are tlie 
buildings of the Arsenal, and 7 m. below, on the opposite shore^ 
Alexandria. Opposite Georgetown is Arlington House, with 
Fort Whipple on the r. In'the W. is the oflicial quarter of 
tlie city. The building on the hill, at the head of New Jersey 
av., is the Howard University ; and the white tower ui the dis- 



78 



DIAGRAM OF THE CAPITOL. 

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LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 79 

taiice, on the line uf E. Capitol St., is the Soldiers' Home. 
The railroad which leaves the city on the K. is the Baltimore 
and Ohio— the r. branch for Baltimore, and the 1. for Point of 
Kocks and tlie W. The road S. of the Capitol is the Balti- 
more and Potomac, also for the IST. and W., running in coi> 
nection with tlie Pennsylvania Central. The Tiber Creek 
follows the basin of the valley on tlie N". 

Library of tlie United States.— (O7? en every day, Sundays 
excepted, from 9 a. m. to 4^^. m. ; during tlie sessions of Con- 
gress till hour of adjournment.) The Library of the United 
"states may be" readied from the Kotnnda by the W. door, 
along the corridor on either side of the balustrade arouml the 
head of the staircase leading up from tlie main W. entrance. 
The principal door of the Library is immediately opposite the 
W. door of the Eotnnda. 

The Library Halls occupj^ the principal floor of the entire 
W. projection of the Capitol, consisting of a connecting cen- 
tral hall, 01 J ft. long, 34 ft. wide, and^38 ft. high, completed 
in 1853, witli two wings on the N. and S., each 95 ft. long, 29J 
ft. wide, and 38 ft. high, finished in 1805. The interior was 
designed by Mr. Walter, Architect of the Capitol, who com- 
pleted the central library, and the ^\'ings were carried out by 
]Mi-. Clark, his successor, at a total cost of $280,000. The cen- 
tral library consists of 12 deep recesses, or alcoves, surmount- 
ed by 2 upper tiers of cases, with galleries and corridors, all of 
iron. The hall is lighted by windows in the alcoves and by 
skylights fitted in tlie iron f rame-woi-k of the roof, aud trans- 
mitted through the ceiling. This consists of iron f i-amc-work, 
supported upon massive' foliated iron brackets, each weigh- 
ing 2,000 lbs. The alcoves and shelves are embellished with 
pilastered and paneled fronts, painted a soft buff color and 
artistically gilded. The book-shelves are also of iron, and 
covered with leather. The floors are of tessellated black-and- 
white marble. The wings are of the same design as the cen- 
tral hall. The former have 4 tiers of shelves instead of 3. Heat 
and ventilation are supplied from the Senate and House ap- 
paratus, 200 ft. distant, on either side. The iron-work was 
manufactured in New York, and transported in pieces. It 
is the only completely fire-proof library in the world. The 
library halls aftbrd accommodation for 172,000 volumes, and 
with the attic and law library 210,000. The additional space 
required has been in part supplied by temporary wooden 
shelves ranged along the galleries. 

It is proposed to ei-ect a suitable building in the angle of 
the E. Park of the Capitol, to be specially devoted to the pur- 
poses of the Library of the United States. A special com- 



80 LIBRARY 01^ THE UNITED STATES. 

mission, created by act of Mar. 3, 1873, now have this subject 
under consideration. 

Speaking of the necessities of the Library, Mr. Spofford, Li- 
brarian, says : "Whatever maybe the present rate of o-rowth 
of American libraries, it cannot be doubted that their prospec- 
tive increase, witli the growing development and intellectual 
enterprise of the country, will be in an accelerated ratio as 
compared with the past. The Library lias twice doubled with- 
in twelve years. In 1860 there were 63,000 volumes in the 
Library, in 18G6 there were 100,000, and in 1872 there were 
246,000. Without calculating upon specially large accessions, 
it is reasonable to assume that, hy the ordinary additions to' 
its stores from copyrights and from all other sources, it will 
reacli 703.000 volumes by the year 1900, 1,250,000 by tlie j-ear 
1925, 1,750,000 by 1950, and 2,500,000 by 1975, or about a cen- 
tury lie nee." 

In 1874 the Library numbered 260,000 volumes and 50,000 
pamphlets. Of this aggregate 30,000 volumes belonge;! to 
the la^v library. The average annual accessions are 10,000 
books and 5,000 pamphlets. The sources of supply in the or- 
der of numbers are as follows : purchase, copyright, (exclading 
duplicates,) deposit of the Smithsonian Institution, presenta- 
tion, and exchange. The whole number of copyrights ent^'red 
in 1873 was 15,352. 

The largest liDrary in the world is the BibliotJieque Nation- 
ale^ Paris, having about 1,400,000 volumes. The second is the 
British Museum Library^ London, with 900,000 volumes. Tiie 
Royal Library^ at Munich, claims to have 800,000 volumes. It 
may be generally stated that there are sixteen libraries in Eu- 
rope larger than the Library of the United States. The lat- 
ter, numbering 260,000 volumes, is the largest in America. 
The second is the Boston Public Library, which has about 
200,000. 

This national collection of books has many distinctive fea- 
tures. It is richer than any other — perhaps than all others 
combined — in books, pamphlets, journals, manuscripts, and 
maps relating to the history and topography of America. It 
is only approximated in this particular by the library in the 
British Museum in London. It is also well stocked with the 
printed literature, in various languages, relating to South, 
Central, and British America, and the Islands of the West 
Indies. Its collection of pamphlets illustrating the progress 
and political history of the country is unrivaled. 

The next great feature is the completeness of its law de- 
partment, including, as it does, complete sets, nearly all in 
duplicate, of English and American reports, the statute law 
of all countries, and the best editions of most published text- 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITilD STATES. 81 

books ill the common and civil law. Every department of 
jurisprudence i^ represented, and the collection is kept up to 
date by purchase and the importation of the freshest works in 
every lield. The general library is very complete in its peri- 
odical collections. Full sets of all the British and American 
reviews and ma^^azincs are kept up, and bound files of the 
leading: newspapers of the country are here stored for refer- 
ence. "One of the most valuable files of newspapers is a full 
set of the London Gazette, from its first issue in 1665 down 
to date. Only one other complete set exists. This contin- 
ues the ofiicial organ of the British Government. Besides the 
valuable collectioii of colonial and revolutionary newspapers, 
tiie Librarj' is in possession of a complete file of the New York 
Evening Post, from its first issue in 1801 to the present year ; 
the Charleston Courier, from its first issue in 1802 down to 
its demise in 1873 ; and the Savannah Republican for the same 
period. Also files of other metropolitan an d provincial news- 
papers. No department of literature, art, or science is neg- 
lected. There is a good library of works on chess, angling, 
cooking, and all miscellaneous topics, wdiile in the exact 
and applied sciences the wealth of the collection is inesti- 
mable. 

The Library of the United States became the repository of 
the enth-e Smithsonian library after the fire in 1866, wiiich 
destroyed so large a portion of that building. This part of 
the collection embraces the largest assemblage of the trans- 
actions of scientific and learned societies to be found in the 
world. Among the rare works are two great folios, written 
on vellum, M'ith numerous illuminations by hand, executed 
with the utmost care in the 13th century. The oldest printed 
book in the library is a Constitution of Pope Clement V, of 
Rome, printed in 1467, by Peter Schoefi'er, at Mentz. 

Among the most rare works of the Force collection are a 
copy of Eliot's Indian Bible ; 41 dilFerent w^orks by Licrease 
and Cotton Mather, printed in Boston and Cambridge, 1671- 
1735 ; files of early American newspapers, from 1735-1800 ; 
300 early atlases and maps, some unpublislied, covering the 
country from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico ; a large number 
of incunabula or books printed during the infancy of the art, 
embracing a complete series of imprints by the most distin- 
guislied early printers, representing every year from 1407 to 
1500, and a large number printed m the following century ; 
also 48 folio volumes of historical autographs of great rarity 
and interest, embracing a collection of revolutionary letters, 
chiefly militarj^ and political, covering the whole period, 
from 1765 to 1787. The numerical extent of this collection is 
22,520 volumes, or, including pamphlets, 60,000 titles. 
6 



82 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The Library is also licli in illustrated works in fine arts, 
architecture, and natural history. 

Under the Rules of the Library^ the privilege of taking 
books out is accorded by divers statutes to the following* per- 
sons : The President of the United States, Vice President oi 
the United States, members of the Senate, members of the 
House of Kepresentatives, members of the Cabinet, judges ol 
the Supreme Court, judges and solicitors of the Court of 
Claims, representatives of foreign governments residing at 
Washington, Secretary of the Senate, Clerk of the House oi 
Representatives, Solicitor of the Treasury, Financial Agent 
of the Library Committee, ex-Presidents of the United States, 
Chaplains of the two Houses of Congress, the Secretarj'^ of the 
Smithsonian Institution. All persons 10 j^ears of age and up- 
wards are permitted to call for books to be used in the li- 
brary hall, and may obtain the same by filling one of the 
blank forms of tickets found on the tables and handing it to 
the assistant at the Librarian's desk. Books taken out by 
persons authorized thereto must be returned in two weeks. 
No maps, manuscripts, or printed books of especial rarity are 
permitted to be taken out of the Library. 

In addition to the Library of the United States, each 
House of Congress has a documentary collection of its own, 
comprising all official documents published under their au- 
thority. 




THK CAPITOL,— WEST FRONT. 

A tine view of the business md official quarters of the city 



LlBRAllY' OF THE UNITED STATES. 83 

may be had fi-om the W. Portico, reached tliroug'h the door 
hi tlie centre of the W. side of the main hall. Immediately 
below are the terraces which form the AY. face of the emi- 
nence upon which the Capitol stands. Pennsylvania av. 
diver«es from the r., and Marjdand av. from the 1. Towards 
the W., between these, lie the Botanical Garden, with its 
conservatories, and the Mall, from which rise the towers of 
the Smithsonian Institution, the square outlines of the De- 
partment of Af^riculture, and the unfinished Obelisk to the 
memory of Washington, all surrounded by beautiful g-ardens, 
and the Long- Bridge. On the summit of the hill still farther 
W. are the two domes of the Observatory, and still beyond 
the Heights of Georgetown. To the S., at the point where 
the two rivers join, lies the Arsenal. Following the broad 
bosom of the Potomac, at a distance of 7 m. the shipping and 
buildings of Alexandria are visible, and upon the river sail- 
ing and steam-craft. On the heights overlooking the opf^o- 
site bank of the river is Arlington, famous as the former 
residence of the Confederate Gen. Lee, and now the resting 
place of thousands of soldiers of the national army. A little 
to the r. and rear stands Fort Whipple. Looking towards 
the N., on the distant hills may be seen the tower of the 
Soldiers' Home, and nearer the Howard Universit}^ A fine 
view may also be had of Pennsylvania av., with the Treasury 
Department, President's House, and the new State, AVar, 
and Navy Department, visible at the otlier end. At various 
points may be seen the other public buildings, school-houses, 
and churches, blending with the mass of the city. 

Librarians of the United States. — Clerks of the House of 
Representatives : 1802-1807, John Beckley, of Va. ; 1807- 
1815, Patrick Magruder, of Md. Librarians: 181o-18-29, 
George AYatterson, D. C. ; 1829-1861, John S. Meehan, N. 
Y. ; 1861-1864, John G. Stephenson, Ind. ; 1864, Ainsworth 
R. Spoftbrd, Oliio. 

History. — The act of April 24, 1800, providing for the re- 
moval and accommodation of the Government of the United 
States, authoi'ized tlie expenditure of $5,000 for tlie purchase 
of sucli books as miglit be necessary' for the use of Congress 
at AVashington, and for fitting up a suitable apartment in 
the Capitol for tlielr safe-keeping. A small number of books 
was purch.ased and forwarded to the Seat of Government. 
The chief promoter of the interests of the Library from the 
beginning was Thomas Jefterson. On Dec. 18, 1801, Uriah 
Tracy, of Connecticut, and three days later John Randolph, 
of Roanoke, respectively of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, and of the new committee appointed on the Li- 
brary, made an important report to then- respective Houses 



84 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

on the subject of the needs of the Library of Congress. The 
effect was beneficial. A few weeks later, Jan. 26, 1802, the 
act "concerning the Library for the use of both Houses of 
Congress" was passed. Under the provisions of this act 
all the books or libraries previously kept separately by each 
House were placed in the Capitol, in the room in the IST. wing 
occupied by the House of Representatives during the last ses- 
sion of the Sixth Congress. The House, from 1801 to 1805, 
occupied the temporary structure outside, known as the 
'* Oven, " south of the building. The unexpended balance of 
the first appropriation of $5,000, together with such sums as 
might be thereafter appropriated, were to be expended under 
the direction of the joint committee. The early appropria- 
tions were very small, as low as $450. The first collection 
of books under the new act was made in 1802, under the 
direction of Albert Gallatin, of Penn., Dr. Samuel Latham 
Mtchill, of N". Y., and others, and comprised about 3,000 
volumes. 

In 1806, on the report of Dr. Mitchill, Congress appropri- 
ated $1,000 for the purchase of books. Since that time that 
amount has been increased from time to time, as the neces- 
sities of the Library became apparent to the slow appreciation 
of Congress. The present average annual appropriation is 
$12,000. 

During the brief occupation of the city by the British, in 

1814, the Library was destroyed, with the rest of the interior 
of the Capitol. To repair this loss, Thomas Jeft'erson, in a 
letter dated at Monticello, Sept. 21, 1814, addressed to Samuel 
H. Smith, tendered the sale of his library of 6,700 volumes 
to Congress. The Senate accepted the offer at once. In 
the House, however, there was considerable debate, but the 
offer was there also accepted. The collection contained 
many rare works, gathered by Mr. Jefferson in Europe. 
The price paid by Congress was $23,950. 

It was objected to Jefferson's collection, that some of the 
volumes were of an infidel character, and by others that it 
contained too many Bibles. His books may be distinguished 
bjT^ a private mark. Wherever the printer's signature occurs 
at the bottom of the page as a J, he has made a T before it, 
and when T occurs, a J after it. Tliis makes the initials of 
liis name. 

The new Library was deposited in the Post-office building, 
an old structure commenced by Samuel Blodgett, in 1793, as 
a hotel, and situated on the S. side of the present Post Ofiice 
square. Congress also held one session here, but in Dec, 

1815, met in the building on Capitol Hill, erected for its 
temporary accommodation by the citizens of Washington. 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 85 

The Library, however, was not removed till after the resto- 
ration of the N. Aving was completed. It was then trans- 
ferred temporarily to apartments on the W. side of the build- 
ing, over the present offices of the Clerk of the Supreme 
Court. 

In 1S24 the Library was removed to the hall in the centre 
of the W. front of the Capitol, specially designed and fitted 
up for its accommodation. The same hall, reconstructed of 
fii-e-proof materials, now constitutes the central library of 
the superb suit of apartments devoted to the uses of the 
Library of the United States. 

In 1824 all duties upon books, maps, and charts imported 
for the Library were remitted by act of Congress. 

In 1846 a copy of all books, maps, charts, &c., copyrighted 
in the United States, was required to be sent to the Library 
of Congress. This was generally disregarded, and was re- 
pealed in 1859, and re-enacted in 1865. In 1867 a penalty 
was placed upon any violation of this law. 

In 1851 the Library numbered 55,000 volumes. On Christ- 
mas Eve of that year the Library took fire in one of the 
alcoves, from timbers carelessly exposed to the flues. The 
progress of the flames was rapid. In a short time 35,000 
volumes were destroyed. 

The destruction of a few works of art in the hall was irrep- 
arable. Of these tlie following are mentioned : Stuart's paint- 
ings of the first five Presidents of the United States; two 
portraits of Columbus, one said to have been an original ; an 
original of Peyton Kandolph, President of the first Conti- 
nental Congress, and others of Boliver, Baron Steuben by 
Pyne, Baron De Kalb, Cortez, Judge Hansom, of Maryland ; 
about 1,200 bronze medals of the Vattemare Exchange, some 
over two centuries old; a likeness of Washington in bronze; 
and busts of General Taylor by an Italian, and La Fayette 
by David. The fire, however, was confined to the central 
library. 

Congress, within the year ensuing, appropriated $157,500 
for the restoration of the library hall and the purchase of 
books. In the meantime one of the document rooms and ad- 
joining passages was occupied. 

In 1866 the custody of the valuable library of the Smith- 
Bonian Institution, consisting of 40,000 volumes, was transfer- 
red to the Library. 

In 1867, at a cost of $100,000, Congress purchased the Peter 
Force collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and papers re- 
lating to American historj^ the most complete private collec- 
tion extant. Mr. Force was born in iSTew Jersey in 1790, and 
died in Washington, D. C, in 1868. 



86 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The act of Congress to revise, consolidate, and amend the 
statutes relating to patents and copyrights^ approved July 8, 
1870, abolished the earlier system of entering in the clerk's 
office of the district courts, and established a general law, 
providing that all records and other things relating to copy- 
rights, and required by law to be preserved, should be under 
the control of the Librarian of Congress, (the United States,) 
and kept and preserved in that Library. In accordance with 
this the Librarian has the immediate care and supervision of 
all matters touching copyrights, under the general direction 
of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The 
Librarian makes an annual report to Congress of the number 
and description of copyright publications foi- which entries 
have been made during the year. 

Two copies of the best edition of each book copyrighted are 
required to be sent to the Librarian, and one copy of each sub- 
sequent edition. The term of copyright is twenty-eight years, 
and, under certain regulations, may be extended for an ad- 
ditional term of fourteen years. 

The Law Branch of the Library of the United States occu- 
pies an apartment on the E. side of the basement of the N". 
wing of the main Capitol building, used from 1800 to 1860 by 
the Supreme Court of the United States, and immediately 
below the room at present occupied by that tribunal. The 
law books of the Library for a time occupied a room S. of the 
central library, and in 1848 were removed to an apartment on 
the W. side of the basement, near the Supreme Court room. 
In 1860, after the removal of the Supreme Court, the books 
were deposited in the present place. 

In February, 1816, an effort was made to establish a law 
library at the Seat of Government for the use of the Supreme 
Court of the United States. The measure failed for w^ant of 
action by the House of Kepresentatives. 

In 1832 an act "to increase and improve the law depart- 
ment of the Library of Congress of the United States " was 
the first official recognition of this important subject. The 
fine and newly assigned apartment was authorized to remain, 
however, under the superintendence of the Librarian of Con- 
fess. The Justices of the Supreme Court were to have free 
access to the library, and to make rules and regulations for 
its proper custody and management, but not in conflict with 
the same for the government of the Library of Congress, nor 
to exclude any officers or persons having access to that Library. 

The sum of $5,000, and an annual sum of $1,000, for a pe- 
riod of five years, was appropriated, to be expended in law 
books, the purchases to be made by the Librarian of Con- 
gress, under the direction of the Chief Justice of the Unit'^d 



8UPIIE.ME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 87 

otates. These appropriatioiis have since varied in amounts, 
at present avera^^-ing- $2,000 each rear. At that time there 
were about 2,000 law l^ooks in the Library of Congress, of 
which 639 were of the Jelfei'son librarj^ 

Under a resolution of CongTess, the law library of James 
L. PetigTu, of S. C, was purchased in 1867 for $5,000. 

The law branch of the Library of the United States is now 
the largest and most valuable law collection in tlie L^nited 
States. 

North Wing.— Leaving the Eotunda by the X. door, the 
passage leads into a small elliptical vestibule, in imitation of 
a Greek temple, containing a peristyle, supported on an arched 
substruction in the basement. The capitals of the pillars are 
ornamented with the leaf and flower of the tobacco plant. A 
dim light is admitted tln-ough the cupola. The door imme- 
diately on the 1. entering this space leads to the electrician's 
apartments and the top of the Dome. On the 1. of the nar- 
row passage is the apparatus which operates the wires con- 
necting the batteries and gas jets. Across this vestibule is a 
second vestibule, which leads into the Supreme Court room 
on the E. Opposite is a prostyle of Potomac marble. The 
door on this side opens into the offices of the Marshal and 
Clerk of the Supreme Court. 

Supreme Court of the United States.— (Opew to visitors every 
day^ except Sunday.) The apartment occupied by this tribu- 
nal, formerly the Senate Chamber, is semi-circular, with a 
rather flat dome, enriched with square caissons in stucco, and 
circular apertures to admit light. The chamber is 75 ft . great- 
est length or diameter, 45 ft. greatest width, and 45 ft. high. 
On the E. side a screen of Grecian Ionic columns of breccia., 
or variegated Potomac marble, with capitals of white Italian 
marble, modeled after those of the Temple of Minei-va, pol- 
ished, extends along the back of the range of seats of the 
Justices. These columns, with the entablature, support a 
gallery. The seats of the Justices are raised several feet 
above the floor, and are ranged behind a low screen, which 
answers the purpose of desks. The Chief Justice occupies 
the centre seat. The officers of the court have desks at either 
end and at the foot of the Justices' platform. The floor is 
beautifully carpeted, and tables and chairs are placed within 
the bar for the accommodation of those having cases before 
the court. Outside the rail are seats for visitors. Against 
the W. wall are a number of consoles, supporting busts of the 
departed Chief Justices; 

John Jay, by Frazee. 1831, $400; John Kutledge, 1857, 



88 SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



; Oliver Ellsworth, by Auger, 1834, $400 ; Joliii Mar- 
shall, 1836, $500. 

The thnes for holdmg the sessions of the Supreme Court 
have been subjected to frequent changes by statute since 1789. 
Under the act of January, 1873, the annual session com- 
mences on the second Monday of October in each year. The 
adjournment usually takes place in May following. Daily 
sessions from 12 noon to 4 p. m. The Justices, wearing their 
judicial robes, enter from the ^N". door of the chamber, and 
are formally announced bj^ the Marshal or deputy. The peo- 
ple in the I'oom rise and remain standing till the Justices are 
seated. The opening of the court is then proclaimed by a 
proper officer. 

When the court-room was occupied by the Senate the 
President's chair stood in a niche in the screen of columns, 
and was raised on a platform. In front and lower were the 
desks of the Secretary and Chief Clerk. The entablature of 
the screen supported a gallery, in front of v/hich was another, 
following the circle of the room, and supported hj iron col- 
umns, with bronzed caps, surmounted hy a gilt iron balus- 
trade. Against the wall over the E. gallery was a fine 
painting of Washington, b}'' Charles Wilson Peale, richly 
framed and draped. The chamber was chiefly lighted from 
the E., and the President's chair, standing on the line of 
the diameter of the circle, formed the centre of the radiat- 
ing aisles, between which, in concentric curves, were ar- 
ranged the Senator's desks. There were accommodations 
for 64 Senators. In the rear a railing enclosed the bar of 
the Senate. Outside were sofas for privileged visitors. The 
oflaces of the Senate occupied the rooms in the immediate 
vicinity of the chamber. 

Originally there was an upper gallery on the E. side, sup- 
ported by an attic colonnade, but this was removed in 1828 
to admit more light. It was then that the semi-circular gal- 
lerj'^ was introduced. The approaches to the chamber and 
galleries were exceedinglj' dark and gloomj^ At night a 
gas chandelier diffused light. On the W. side of the building, 
across the main vestibule, were the offices of the Secretary 
of the Senate, now occupied hy the officers of the court. The 
two rooms on the IS", side were assigned to the President and 
Vice President — now the robing rooms. 

Latrobe, the architect, proposed to have one of the galle- 
ries supported upon emblematical figures, representing the 
thirteen original States. The models, by Franzoni, were 
completed in Italj'' and brought over, but no further use was 
made of them. Congress failing to appropriate the funds 
necessary to the execution of the design. 



THE UNITED STATES COURT OF CLAIMS. 89 

111 the plan of the city, the reservation between D and G 
sts. iST. and 4th and 5th sts. W. was set apart for the erection 
of a bnilding* for the uses of the judicial branch of the Govern- 
ment. jSTothing, however, was done. In Feb., 1801, the 
Supreme Court^ of the United States was assigned to and 
assembled in the basement on the E. side, immediately^ be- 
neath the present room, and now the Law Library. The 
court was assigned to its present accommodations in Dec 
1860, upon the occupation of the new chamber provided for 
the Senate. It is proposed to erect a building for the inde- 
pendent use of tlie judiciaiy, to include tlie Supreme and 
other courts of the United States in the District of Colum- 
bia. Tlie site under consideration is tlie square recenth" 
added to the E. Park of the Capitol Grounds on the S., to 
correspond with the proposed building for the occupation of 
the Library of the United States in the same square on the N. 
These two buildings completed, standing respectively SE. 
and NE., and clear of the E. fapade of the Capitol, would 
add greatly to the magnificence of the main central structure. 

Chief Justices. — 1789, John Jay, jST. Y. ; 1795, John Rut- 
ledge. S. C, rejected; 1790, William Cashing, Mass., de- 
clined; 1796, Oliver Ellsworth, Conn.; 1800, John Jay, N. 
y. ; 1801, John Marshall, Va. ; 1836, Roger B. Taney, Md. ; 
1864, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio; 1874,MorrisonR.Waite,Chio. 

Associate Justices, 1874. — Nathan Cliff"ord, Me., 1858; 
Noah H. Swavne, Ohio, 1862 ; Samuel F. Miller, lo., 1862 ; 
David Davis, 111., 1862; Stephen Field, Cal., 1863; William 
Strong. Penn., 1870; Joseph P. Bradley, N. J., 1870; Ward 
Hunt; N. Y., 1873. 

The judicial 2Jower of the United States, by the third ar- 
ticle of the Constitution, is vested in one supreme court 
and in such inferior courts as Congress may from time to 
time ordain and establish. The judges of both the supreme 
and inferior courts hold their offices during good behavior, 
and receive for tlieir services compensation which cannot 
be diminished during their continuance in office. The Chief 
Justice and Associates of the Supreme Court of the United 
States are appointed by the President, by and with the ad- 
vice of the Senate. The Constitution defines the judicial 
power of the court, which is confined to civil cases national 
in their character : for instance, between citizens of difterent 
States, or in which aliens or representatives of foreign gov- 
ernments are interested, questions under treaties, and appel- 
late and revisory jurisdiction in certain cases. 

The United States Court of Olaiins occupies a suit of rooms 
in the basement of the W. projection of the central building. 



90 



SENATE EXTENSION. 





reached by tlie 1 . corridor after entering the main W. door of 
the ('apitol. The court consists of a Chief Justice and four 
Associates. Its business is the verification of claims against 
the U. S. and bronght before Congress for adjustment. Chief 
Justice, Charles D^. Drake, Mo., 1870. 

Uorth or Senate Extension. — In order to preserve the con- 
tinuity of description, after leaving the Sui:)reme Court room, 
in tlie^ IST. Wing, the visitor to the' Capitol should proceed di- 
rectly to the Bronze Door of the E. vestibule of the N". Exten- 
sion," which may be reached by pursuing the main ]S". and S. 
corridor, and at its terminus turning to the r. and then to the 
1., the last corridor ending in the vestibule. Just after leaving 
the vestibule of the Supreme Court the division between the 
original Capitol and the Extension will be observed, the flrst 
part reached being tlie connecting corridor. 

The Senate Bronze Door, by Crawford, consists of a simple 
post and lintel. The frame over 
the door is supported by enrich • 
ed brackets. The ornamenta- 
tion consists of scroll-work and 
acanthus, Avith the cotton-boll, 
maize, grapes, and entwining 
vines. The upper panel of each 
valve contains a star, surround- 
ed hy a wreath of oak leaves, and 
acts as a ventilator. In the foot 
panel of each leaf are figures, 
typical of Peace and War. The 
door is 141 ft. high and 9| ft. 
wide, with two leaves, weighs 
14,000 lbs., and was cast by 
James T. Ames, at Chicopee, 
Mass. The total cost was $6,- 
000 for model and $50,495 for 
casting. It was put up in 1 868. 
The remainder of the door 
is divided into G panels, in 
which, in alto relievo^ are rep- 
resented events connected with 
SENATE BRONZE DOOR. tlic rcvolutiouarj^ struggle, the 

establishment of the Government, and the foundation of the 
Capitol. The panels cont^iining historical subjects, in chro- 
nological succession, begin at the top of the left valve of the 
door^ as follows : 

I. Battle of Bunker Hill and Death of Warren, June, 1775. 



VI 



IV 



O 



HI 




SENATE EXTENSION. 91 

II. Battle of Monmouth, June, 1778, and Rebuke of General Lee, who meditated 
betraying the American Army. 

III. Battle of Yorktown, October, 1781. Hamilton's Capture of the Redoubt. 

IV. Welcome of Washington at Trenton, April, 1789, on his way to New York 
to assume the office of President of the United States. This panel contains por- 
traits of the sculptor, his wife, and three children, and of Rogers, the sculptor of 
the Main Door. 

V. Inauguration of Washington, First President of the United States, in New- 
York, April JO, 1789. The principal figures in this panel are portraits, including 
John Adams, Vice President, on his right; Chancellor Livingstone administers "the 
oath; Mr. Otis, Secretary of the Senate, presented the Bible. The other distinguished 
personages represented are Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox and St. Clair, Roger 
Sherman, and Baron Steuben. 

VI. Laying of the Corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States at Washing- 
ton, September 18, 1793- The prominent figures are likenesses. 

The, order to Mr. Crawford contemplated two doors, one for 
the E. Portico of each wing. The sculptor had proceeded no 
further than to complete tlie drawing of his designs and the 
work of his models in clay, when he was overtaken by death. 
The work, however, was completed by W. H. Rhinehart, of 
Maryland, an assistant in tlie studio of the sculptor at Rome. 
The fortunate exaction of a guaranty from the European 
founder, who seemed to doubt the ability of the nation to 
maintain its credit and to cope with the Rebellion, then 
going on, led to the shipment of the models to the United 
States in 1863. They were somewhat damaged in removal, 
but were restored by Silas Mosman, of Massachusetts, under 
whose superintendence they were cast. The mechanical ex- 
ecution of this work is considered in every respect equal to the 
'great Door, and establishes the skill of American workmen 
in competition with those of Europe. 

Above the door, resting on a cap supported by massive 
brackets, are two reclining female figures, in American mar- 
ble, by Crawford, representing Justice and Hi»tory. Both 
recline against a globe, the former supporting a volume bear- 
ing the words "Justice, Law, and Order," and has a pair of 
scales lying by her side. The latter holds a scroll, inscribed 
"History, July, 1776." On either side of the door, in the 
beautiful marble w^all, is a niche, ready to receive appropriate 
statues. 

From this portico the bronze door enters a vestibule^ consist- 
ing of a colonnade of 16 fluted marble columns, with capital* 
of acanthus and tobacco leaves. The columns are disposed in 
couples, and equally divided on either side with corresponding 
pilasters. The ceiling is composed of massive blocks of highly- 
polished marble, ranged so as to form panels, three of which 
are provided with stained glass for the admission of light. 
The walls are scagliola imitation of Sienna marble, and are 
broken at suitable intervals into niches, with bases of Ten- 
nessee mai-ble. The floor is tessellated in white and blue 



92 SENATE EXTENSION. 

marble. The first door on the 1., after entering, leads into 
the Official Eeporters'' Room. On the r. is the Senate Post 
Office. At the W. end is a smaller vestibule, leading- to the 
floor of the Senate Chamber. The doors are of bird's-eye 
maple, with bronze enrichments, and set in bronze frames. 
The Senate Chamber will be described from the galleries. 
The public are permitted on the floor of the Chamber when 
the Senate is not in session. The regular hour of meeting 
of the Senate dm-ing the session is 12 noon every day ex- 
cept Sunday, and adjourns on its own motion : holiday and 
night sessions are ordered by the Senate. During the ses- 
sion the following persons only are \)j law entitled to the 
privileges of tlie jioov of the Senate : Olflcers of the Senate ; 
Members of the House of Represen tatives and their clerks ; 
President of the U. S. and private secretary ; heads of de- 
partments; Ministers of the TJ. S. and Foreign Ministers; 
ex-Presidents and ex-Vice Presidents of the U. S. ; ex-Sen- 
ators and Senators elect ; Judges of the Supreme Court of 
the U. S. ; Governors of States and Territories ; General of 
the Army ; Admiral of the Xavy ; Members of I^ational 
Legislatures of foreign countries ; private secretaries of Sen- 
ators, appointed in A^-riting ; and Librarian of Congress. 

The W. door in the S. wall of the main vestibule leads to the 
U. Staircase., ascending to the corridors and committee rooms 
of the second floor and to the ladies' galleries and retiring 
rooms. This magnificent staircase is made of highh^-polished 
Tennessee marble. The columns have bronze capitals. The 
ascent from tlie main floor is by a broad flight of 16 steps, which 
divide at the flrst landing, the rest of the ascent being by a 
double flight of 18 steps. Overhead is a stained-glass skylight 
set in an iron frame, surrounded by iron casing of trellis work, 
resting on a heavy cornice of marble. At the foot of the steps, 
in a niche, stands the semi-heroic statue of Franklin, the phi- 
losopher, in marble : by Hiram Powers, 1862, $10,000. 
Against the E. wall, over the first landing, is the painting of 
Perry's Victor}^ over the British on Lake Erie : by Powell, of 
Ohio. 1873, cost $25,000. Tlie painting represents the Com- 
modore transferring his flag from the Lawrence, which had 
been disabled, to another ship. A new movement compelled 
the enemy to surrender. The best view of this painting is 
from the balustrade at the top of the staircase. A double 
stairway, which unites at the first landing below, leads be- 
neath the arched support and massive blocking of the upper 
staircase to the basement. A beautiful stained-glass window, 
at the head of the second descent, admits light. At the foot 
of these steps is the Senate Refectory. The best general view 



SENATE EXTENSION. 93 

of the E. stixircase may be had fi-om the laiidhig of the steps 
leadhig to the basement. 

The'W. door in the N^. wall of the vestibule opens into the 
Senate Reception Room^ a brilliant salon about 60 ft. long, 
with a vaulted ceiling divided into two arches, that on thciST. 
being groined, and is divided into four sections, in which are 
allegorical figures in fresco: I^., Liberty; S., Plenty; W., 
War; E., Peace. The S. half of the ceiling consists of a cir- 
cular arch, broken by deep caissons, arranged in concentric 
circles. The fresco in the centre represents youthful figures 
in a vignette of clouds. Outside the circle are allegorical fig- 
ures in fresco : NE., Prudence; SE., Justice; SW., Temper- 
ance; NW., Strengtli. All these frescoes were executed by 
Brumidi, in I80G. The ceiling is heavily gilded throughout, 
and from it is suspended a fine chandelier. The walls are 
finished in tint, and enriched with stucco and gilt. They are 
divided into five panels, with medallion centres for portraits 
of illustrious citizens. Each medallion is surrounded by 
wreaths, and is surmounted b}^ an eagle. The base of the 
walls is scagliola, in imitation of Potomac and Tennessee 
marbles. Under the arch in the S. wall is a well-executed 
centre-piece in oil, by Brumidi, representing Washington in 
consultation with Jefferson, his Secretary of State, and Ham- 
ilton, Secretary of the Treasury. On either side is a medal- 
lion yet unfilled. In the N. wall of this magnificent apart- 
ment, between the windows, is a mirror. The floor is of 
encaustic tiles, finely laid, and Avith a beautifully-wrought 
star as a centre-piece. The room is furnished in rosewood, 
with damask and lace cm-tains. In winter the floor is richly 
carpeted. 

On the E. a door opens into the Senate Post Office^ ele- 
gantly fitted with cases and other conveniences for the recep- 
tion and distribution of the Senate mails. This room was 
originally intended for the Library of the Senate, and was 
decorated with that view. The vaulted ceiling is embellished 
with frescoes by Brumidi, the principal pieces representing 
History, Geography, Physics, and the Telegraph. Three 
allegorical figures support a tasteful centre-piece, from which 
drops a chaiiclelier. The walls are finished in oil and gilt. 
Adjoining, on the l!^., is the Room of the Sergeant-at-Arms oj 
the Senate. On the walls under the arches are four allegorical 
designs in basso relievo : that on the E. representing Dissolu- 
tion or Secession, illustrated in the breaking of the fasces or 
bundle of rods, while on the one side lies cotton, and on the 
other corn, the rival products of the opposing sections of the 
countrj'-. On the S. is the same figure as War, with the en- 
gines of strife. On the W. the bundle of rods are again 



94 SENATE EXTENSION. 

united, with the motto E Plurihus Unum and eagie. Oii the 
IS", the implements of war are being destroyed and exchanged 
ior peace. Tlie centre-piece of the ceiling represents Ke- 
€onstrnction. Tlie W. door of the reception-room opens into 
the vestibule of the Senate lobby. On the 1., descending 
to the basement, is b. private staircase^ with a bronze railing, 
formed of entwining vines and foliage, relieved with eagles, 
deer, and cupids. A similar staircase occupies a correspond- 
ing place on the W. side of tlie lobby. These, including two 
connecting with the lobby of the Hall of the Representatives 
in the S. Extension cost nearly $22,500. They are elaborate 
and artistic specimens of bronze-work, and in a part of the 
building too dark to enable their merits to be fully appre- 
ciated. They were manufactured by Archer, Warner & 
Miskey, of Philadelphia. 

During the sessions of the Senate admission to the Senate 
lobby can only be obtained through a Senator. This, how- 
ever, is not in strict accordance with the rules of tlie body. 
When the Senate is not in session the lobby is open to tlie 
public. The lobby is a vaulted passage, with gilt panels and 
cornice. A chandelier makes up the deficiency of daylight. 
On the-1. are two doors, leading to the floor of the Senate 
Ohamber. The first door on the r. opens into the room as- 
signed to the President of the Senate, generally known as 
the Vice PresidenVs Room. It is a well-furnished apartment, 
with plain stuccoed ceilings and tinted walls. In this room 
is the original of Bembrandt Peale^s paintiiifi of Washington^ 
purchased by the Senate. Permission to enter may be ob- 
tained from the President of the Senate. Wlien not in use, 
visitors may be admitted through the courtesy of the Ser- 
geant-at-Arms or one of the doorkeepers. 

The second door on the r. of the lobby leads through a small 
passage or vestibule into the Marble or Senate Retirincj Room, 
This elegant apartment is3S ft. long, 21^ ft. wide, and 19 J ft. 
high. The ceiling rests upon 4 Corinthian columns of Italian 
marble, and consists of massive polished blocks of white mar- 
ble, forming deep panels. The walls throughout are of highlj- 
polished Tennessee marble. In the panels of the walls are 
large plate-glass mirrors. Those at the ends produce a striking 
efi'ect. In the E. and W. walls are niches. Two of these 
contain heads of Indian chiefs, executed in marble. The floors 
are of encaustic tiles. The room is handsomely furnished, 
and, without question, is the finest apartment of the kind in 
the world. There is a fine view of the N. portions of the city 
from the windows. In front is IST. Capitol st., and the diverg- 
ent avs. are Delaware, inclining towards the E., and New 
Jersey, towards the W. 



SENATE EXTENSION. 95 

Leaving- the room by the W. door, we again enter the Sen- 
ate lobby. Passing- out of this into the vestibule, on the 1. is 
the ^y. private staircase to the basement, the same as the one 
already described at the E. end of the lobby. On the r. is the 
President'' s Room^ assigned to the use of the President of the 
United States on liis visits to the Capitol. This room is rarely 
used except on the last days of the session of Congress, when 
the President, with his secretaries and Cabinet ministers, as- 
semble there to expedite the business of legislation, the Pres- 
ident signing- such bills passed by the Senate and House of 
Representatives as meet liis approval. 

The walls and ceiling of this room are richly and appropri- 
ately decorated. On the S. wall, under the arch of the ceil- 
ing, is a portrait of Washington — a copy from Rembrandt 
Peale's — with a reclining- female figure on either side : that on 
tlie r. representing- Victory, who holds a shield, bearing the 
inscription, Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, and 
Yoi-ktown. The ligure on the 1. Peace, with a laurel wreath. 
On the four walls "are medallion portraits of Washington's 
first Cabinet: S., Thomas Jetlerson, Secretary of State; E., 
Henry Knox, Secretary of War, and Alexander Hamilton, 
Secretary of tlie Treasury; W., Edmund Randolph, Attorney 
General, and S. Osgood, Postmaster General. Under the 
cornice are a nunber^'of small copper-colored medallions, rep- 
resenting the coats of arms of the States. The rest of the 
walls are artistically decorated in arabesques. Overhead are 
four corner-pieces in fresco : the first of Columbus, with a 
globe and early instruments of navigation, representing Dis- 
covery ; likeness from a portrait in Mexico. Diagonally oppo- 
site, Americus Vespuccius, with charts and telescope. Explo- 
ration, fi-om a painting in Florence. William Brewster, with 
an open Bible, representingReligion ; and diagonall}^ opposite, 
Benjamin Franklin, with manuscript and i:>rinting-press, or 
History. Four medallion pieces between these'represent 
Religion, Liberty, Legislation, and Executive. The medal- 
lion from which the chandelier is suspended is enriched with 
three infant figures, support ing an American flag. The ceilings 
are further embellished. The entire decoration is by Brumidi. 
The room is the most richly decorated in the United States. 
The floors are beautifully tiled. There are three lai-ge mir- 
rors in tlie walls. In winter the room is richly carpeted and 
furnished. 

At the end of the corridor continuing W. from the lobby is 
a screw elevator, beautifully designed and luxuriously furnish- 
ed, for the use of Senators. It runs from the basement to the 
corridors of the second floor, and is fitted up with a double 
engine : cost $10,000. Turning to the k, after leaving the 



96 SENATE EXTENSION. 

W. vestibule of the corridor, the rooms on the r. are occupied 
by the Secretary of tlie Senate and the various clerks of the 
body. 

On the same side is the W. Staircase^ in white marble. 
The design is the same as the E. one, already described, and 
leads directly to the gentlemen's and reporters' galleries. 
The view of this staircase, looking upwards from the first 
landing of the steps leading to the basement, is supremely 
beautiful. The highly-poHslied white-marble blockings, en- 
tablatures, steps, balustrades, and columns, with their exquis- 
itelj^-wrought capitals, of the same material, strike tlie eye 
with tlie magnificence of its arcliitectural design and execu- 
tion. The light thrown in from above adds to tlie charm of 
the scene which greets tlie vision. The sombre hue of the 
Tennessee marble employed in the E. staircase, though pre- 
senting a richer appearance, does not effectively bring out 
the beauties of Avorkmanship bestow^ed upon these stnking 
features of the interior fitting of the Capitol Extensions. 

Opposite the foot of the staircase, in a niche, on the main 
floor, is the statue of John Hancock^ President of the Conti- 
nental Congress which signed and promulgated the Declara- 
tion of Independence, 1776. The statue is semi-heroic ; exe- 
cuted in 1860, in marble, by Horatio Stone ; cost $5,500. 

At the head of the first flight of steps against the W. wall 
is the Storming of Chapidtepec^ by Walker, IST. Y. Ordered 
in 1861, cost $6,000. This painting was originally intended 
for the room of the Committee on Military 'Afiiiirs. It rep- 
resents the storming of the castle of Chapultepec, Sept. 13, 
1847, by the American arm}^, under Gen. Scott. The castle, 
one of the defenses of the city of Mexico, crowned an emi- 
nence 900 ft. high, and was taken by means of scaling-lad- 
ders. The particular moment of the conflict is the consulta- 
tion between Gen. Quitman and several of the officers of the 
advance division. The batteries at the foot of the hill were 
taken, and the approach to the city by the aqueduct lay open. 
The hill-side is already occupied by the United States rifles. 
Gen. Quitman, mounted, appears on the 1. of the painting. 
Gen. Shields is without his coat, and wounded. Near at hand 
are IJeuts. Wilcox and Towers, of the engineers. On the 1. 
stands a section of Drum's battery. In the rear, advancing 
to the support of Casey's troops, are the Pennsylvania, New 
York, and South Carolina volunteers, bearing their State 
colors, and commanded by Geary, Baxter, and Gladden. 
Xicontenca, the Mexican commander, is killed. Gen. Per- 
sifor F. Smith, with the rifles, confronts the enemy's breast- 
works, and points to the retreating Mexicans, who are fleeing 
by the aqueduct. The filling of the picture represents offi- 



THE GALLERIES. U7 

cers liuiTying to and fro, a few Mexican soldiers snrrenderino;', 
and wounded and slain strewn around. An aloe is charac- 
teristic of the vegetation of the country. The artist wa3 
pursuing his profession in Mexico wlien the war broke out., 
but escaped to the American lines, and joined the army as an 
interpreter, returning in 1848 to the United States. 

The S. corridor corresponds with the lobby on the N". 
side of the Chamber, and is intersected by the connecting 
range between tlie Senate Extension and tlie main building. 
In this corridor, opposite the S. entrance to the Senate Cham- 
ber, stands an old cIocIn:, long in use by the body, but with 
no special historic associations. The deep windows on the 
N. side of the corridor, opening into the Senate cloak rooms, 
are ari-anged for statuary. In the recess of the E. one of 
this line stands a bust of Chief Justice R. B. Taney, of Md., 
1886-18G4. by Stone. With the exception of the E. vestibule, 
which is marble, the floors throughout ai-e paved with en- 
caustic tile of elegant design. 

The Galleries. — The second floor of the Senate Extension is 
occupied by corridors, the inner sides of which are pierced 
witli 12 doors, leading into the Senate Galleries, and the 
outer sides bounded on the E. and W. by committee rooms, 
and tlie N". hy retiring rooms for ladies in the E. end, and 
representatives of the press in the W. On the S. is the con- 
necting range, occupied by the Senate do«ument room. On 
either side of this are windows, which look out upon the 
main building. These corridors are reached by the E. and 
W. staircases, already described. The walls are of a simple 
tint, with variations of stucco. The ceilings are vaulted, 
and are enlivened with stucco work of various designs, blended 
with symbolic figures. Over the main E. vestibule is a spa- 
cious hall., surmounted by a beautiful arch, in the centre of 
which is a skjdight. Adjoining this, and over the Senate 
reception room, in the NE. part of the Extension, is another 
hall of similar design. Both lead into the ladies' galleries. 
The second also opens into the ladies'' retiring room — a hand- 
somely-furnished apartment, fitted up with" two Tennessee 
marble mantels, with mirrors and every convenience . Like tl le 
first floor, tlie second is paved with encaustic t iles throughout. 

With tliis preliminary knowledge of the varied attractions 
in art and architecture of the N.' Extension of tlie Capitol, 
before visiting the basement the visitor should step into the 
gallery, and at his leisure study the wonders and beauties of 
the Hall of the Senators. The accompanying diagram of 
desks will enable him, during the session of the body, to 
place any of the Senators. 



98 



SENATE CHAMBER. 




DIAGRAM OF SENATE CHAMBER 

V. P. AMce Presiaent. S. Secretary. L. C. Legislative Clerk. C. C. Chief 
Clerk. M. C. Minute Clerk. S. Sergeant-at-Arms. D. Doorkeeper. R. Reporters. 



W. T. Hamilton, Md. 
H. D. Davis, W. Va. 
J. F. Lewis, Va. 
J. B. Gordon, Ga. 
G. R. Dennis, Md. 

A. S. Merrimon, N. C. 
Wm. B. Washburn, Mass 
H. R. Pease, Miss. 

J. M. Harvey, Kan. 

R. J. Oglesby, HI. 

J. H. Mitchell, Oregon. 

B. Wadleigh, N. H. 

D. D. Pratt, Ind. 
A. Ramsey, Minn. 
Z. Chandler, Mich. 
J. P. Jones, Nev. 

M. C. Hamilton, Texas, 
O. S. Ferry, Conn. 
J. A. Logan, HI. 
R. E. Fenton, N. Y. 
A. H. Cragin, N, H. 
M. H Carpentei,Wis. 
W. M. Stewart, Nev. 
G. E. Spencer, Ala. 
J. W. Stevenson, Ky. 
A. G. Thurman, Ohio. 
T. C. McCreery, Ky. 
T. F. Bayard, Del. 
H. Cooper, Tenn. 
J. P. Stockton, N. J, 

E. Saulsbury, Del. 
T. M. Norwood, Ga. 
J. W. Johnson, Va. 

J. K Kelley, Oregon. 

L. V. Bogy, Mo. 

G. Goldthwaite, Ala. 





SENATORS. 


I VV. G. Brownlow, Tenn. 


J8 


2 J. J. Ingalls, Kan. 


39 


3 F. T. Frelinghuysen, N. J. 


40 


4 Simon Cameron, Penn. 


41 


5 J. S. Morrill, Vt. 


42 


6 H. B. Anthony, R. 1. 


43 


7 G. F.Edmunds, Vt. 


44 


8 J. R. West, La. 


45 


9 W. A. Buckingham, Conn 


46 


10 O. P. Morton, Ind. 


47 


II L. M. xVlorrill, Me. 


48 


1% J. W. Flanagan, Tex. 


49 


13 P. Clayton, Ark. 


50 


14 A. I. Boreman, VV. Va. 


51 


IS P. W Hitchcock, Neb. 


52 


16 T. J. Robertson, S. C, 


53 


17 J. J. Patterson, S. C. 


54 


18 M. W. Ransom, N. C. 


55 


'I9 S. B. Conover, Fla. 


56 


20 S. W. Dorsey. Ark, 


57 


21 J. S. Hagar, Cal. 


58 


22 T. W. Tipton, Neb. 


59 


23 W. BT'Allison, Iowa. 


60 


24 G. G. Wright, Iowa. 


61 


25 T. W. Ferry, Mich. 


62 


26 W. Windom, Minn. 


63 


27 Carl Scliurz, Mo. 


64 


28 G. S. Boutwell, Mass. 


6s 


29 T. O.Howe, Wis. 


66 


30 H. Hamlin, Me; 


67 


31 R. Conkling, N. Y. 


68 


32 John Scott, Penn. 


69 


33 John Sherman, Ohio. 


70 


34 W. Sprague, R. I. 


71 


35 A. Gilbert, Fla. 


72 


36 J. L. Alcorn, Miss. 


73 


J7 A. A. Sargent, Cal. 


74 



SENATE CHAMBER. 99 

Hall of the Senators, or Senate Chamber.— This iiiao-nifictMit 
apartment occupies the centre of the principal floor of the N. 
Extension. It has an entrance for Senators from corridors 
on the E ., S., and W., and two from the lobby on the X. The 
occupation of this Chamber, devoted to the deliberations of 
the hio'hest branch of the leg'islative arm of the Government, 
took place on Jan. 4, 1859. It is in the form of a parallelo- 
gram of the following- dimensions : Length, 113-^ ft. ; width, 
80| ft. ; height, 36 ft. ; superficial area of floor, 9,136 sq. ft. ; 
cubic contends, 328,536 cub. ft. The dimensions of the floor 
of tlie Chamber, exclusive of the cloak rooms and lobb.y, are 
83 ft. long and 51 ft. wide. On the E., W., and S. sides of 
the Chamber are the cloak rooms of Senators, and on the 'N. 
the Senate lobb3^ Over these and around the Chamber are 
the galleries, the seats rising and receding in tiers, till 
brought to a level with the corridors of the second tloor, 
which are reached by two marble staircases. The portion 
of the IsT. Gallery over the back of the chair of the President 
of the Senate is devoted to reporters of the press, local and 
general, being provided with about 40 desks, and seats for 
as manj'- more. Directly opposite the reporters, in the S. 
Galler}^ a number of seats are set apart for the diplomatic 
representatives. The galleries, from the reporters' to the 
diplomatic, on the S. side, are devoted exclusively to ladies, 
and gentlemen accompanying them ; a portion for the exclu- 
sive use of the families of Senators. The coi-responding 
gallei-ies on the W. are for gentlemen. The galleries wifl 
seat 1,200 persons. In the rear of tlie S., E., and AV. Gal- 
leries are the communicating corridors. At the E. end of 
the N. corridor is the ladies'' retiring room — a luxurious 
apartment, complete in all its appointments, communicat- 
ing with the ladies' galleries, and attended by a matron em- 
ployed by the Senate. In the rear of the reporters' gallery 
is the reporters' hat and retiring room and telegraph office. 
This is reached through a door connecting with tlie W. cor- 
ridor. These corridoi\s form the second floor of the iSf . wing. 
The entrances to the galleries, during the sessions of Con- 
gress, are guarded by doorkeepers, whose duty it is to seat 
the people and to preserve order. 

On thQ floor of the Chamber are seats for 74 Senators. The 
aisles diverge from the President's "desk" like radii, from a 
centre. . The desks are arranged in concentric semi-circles 
facing the N. The desks are made of the finest quality of 
mahogany, and the majority were in use in the old Senate 
Chamber. These were made a half centur^y ago. 

The President's desk occupies a raised platform or dais. 



100 BASEMENT. 

At his back is a deep niche, and in front a broad desl^, upon 
which lies the gavel when the body is in session. Immedi- 
ately below, on either side, are the seats of the Sergeant-at- 
Arms r., and Doorkeeper 1. At the desk in front, com- 
mencing on tlie 1., are the seats of the Secretary of the Senate, 
Legislative Clerk, Chief Clerk, and Minute Clerk, in the order 
given. The two seats on the floor in front and at either end 
are for the official reporters. These desks are of mahogany, 
ui keeping with the rest of the furniture of the Hall. 

The floor is raised about 3 in. for each receding serai-circle 
of desks, and is pierced bj'' numerous double ventilators^ reg- 
ulated with the feet, under each Senator's desk. These ven- 
tilators are fed from an air-chamber or reservoir beneath the 
floor, and supplied by fans and steam-coils in the basement 
witli moistened air tempered from 68° to 70° winter, and from 
8° to 10^ below the outside air in summer, and regulated by 
thermometers and hygrometers in different parts of the 
cliamber; these are examined at regular and brief intervals 
by the chief of the ventilating department. The contam- 
inated air ])asses through the trellis work of the outer range 
of panels in the ceiling and through spaces provided in the 
centre panels. A current of air from the ventilators below 
to tliose above is constantly passing through the Chamber. 
(See Ventilating Department.) 

The ceiling is a splendid specimen of taste and skill. It 
consists of immense cast-iron girders and transverse pieces, 
forming deep panels, 21 of which are glazed, each with a 
?.entre-piece symbolic of the Union, the Army, and Navy, 
Progress, and the Mechanical Arts. In addition to these, 
there is an outer row of 24 panels, with trellised centre for 
ventilation, and outside of all a row of deep caissons and 
circles, with a star in each. The entire frame rests on a 
heavy iron cornice. The iron work throughout is bronzed, 
with gilt decorations. The walls are richly painted, those 
supporting the galleries being laid off in panels. The walls 
back of tlie galleries are pierced by doors on each side. The 
doors are of bird's-eye maple, elaborately finished with foli- 
ated bronze ornaments. Niches for statuary are also sunk 
in the walls. The iron work was done by Janes, Beebe & Co. 

The hall by day is lighted through the paneled ceiling by 
means of the skjdight'in the roof. At night innumerable 
jets ranged above the ceiling around the glass panels, and 
supplied with gas and ignited by electricity, diffuse a soft 
light throughout the Chamber. 

Basement.— The basement of the Senate Extension is reach- 
ed by the steps beneath the E. and W. staircase. There are 



COMMITTEE ROOMS. 101 

tioo entrances from the outside, on the E. and N., and a cor- 
ridor leading the entire length of the building X. and S., 
with entrances at either end. Tlie basement entrance has a 
double approach consisting of a vaulted carriageioay and 
massive arcaded passageiov pedestrians, both beneath the E. 
Portico. The door opens into a vestibule^ in which are eight 
immense marble piers, four on each side, witli corresponding 
pilasters. These piers support tlie colonnade of the main 
vestibule, and afford, perhaps, the most striking example of 
the durability and strength of the edifice. Under tlie arclies 
of the ceiling is rich and appropriate decoration. The walls 
are of scagliola. A colossal bust of Washington, by Beattie, 
is here. It is not the property of the Government. At the 
W. end of tliis vestibule are two doors, the one on the N^. 
leading into a bi'oad corridor, and on the S. to the basement 
foot of tlie E. staircase, also to the Senate Refectory, and the 
small door on 1. to the folding rooms and vaults in the sub- 
basement. The corridors of the basement present an inter- 
esting exhibition of the decorative art. The vaulted ceilings 
throughout are in distemper, and all below the spring of the 
arches in oil. The walls are paneled in the style of the 15th 
century, as employed in the Vatican at Rome, with centre 
medallions of illustrious Americans. The name of the per- 
son is also given. The ceilings are in the same style, with 
hitroductions of modern inventions. The decorations of the 
pilasters of all the corridors are recollections of the loggia of 
Raphael in the Vatican, with additions from the natural 
history of America. The birds, animals, and reptiles are 
studies from the collection in the Museum in the Smithsonian 
Institution. They were drawn by Brumidi, and painted by 
Leslie. The decoration of the basement commenced in 1855. 
The medallions and finer parts of the decoration are b)^ Bru- 
midi, while the details are the workmanship of others. Op- 
posite the E. end of the N. corridor is a fine fresco of Robert 
Fidton^ the first to apply steam to the purposes of navigation. 
The likeness is from a portrait painted by Fulton himself, and 
now in the office of the Commissioner of Patents. The ceil- 
ing of the N. end of the W. corridor is embellished with the 
12 signs of the Zodiac. There are also several beautifully- 
finished landscapes, representing Day and Night. 

Committee Rooms. — The finest apartments for the uses of 
the committees of the Senate are in the basement. They are 
not generally open to the public, though, when not officially 
occupied, there is no diflSculty in getting a view of them, 
throuo-h a Senator, the Sergeant-at-Arms, or clerk of the 
committee. A rap at the door is frequently sufficient. Dur- 



102 COMMITTEE ROOMS. 

ing the adjournment, or a recQSS of the Senate, the Sergeant- 
at-Ai-ms, whose office is in the NE. corner of the building, 
main floor, and who lias possession of the kej^s, will afford 
visitors an opportunit}^ to see these rooms. The most inter- 
esting to visitors are the — 

Room of the Committee on Military Affairs — W. side of W. 
corridor, IST. of W. staircase ; name over the door. Ceilings 
frescoed with victors' wreaths, shields, and other emblems of 
war. Panels of walls and pilasters represent arms and armor 
of different periods, nations, and races, ancient and modern. 
The pilasters were pahited by Leslie. The sword across the 
shield in the centre pilaster is a copy of the sword of Wash- 
ington. On the W. wall is a medallioM head of Liberty, sur- 
rounded by flags and weapons of war. Under the spring of 
the arches are 5 historic subjects, in fresco, byBrumidi : N., 
Boston Massacre, 1770. S., Battle of Lexington, 1775. N., 
Death of Wooster, during the British invasion of Connecti- 
cut, 1777. S., Washington at Valley Forge, 1778. The three 
prominent flgures in the foreground are Washington, with 
Lafayette on his 1. and Gen. Green on r. E., Storming of 
Stony Point by Anthony Wayne, 1779. Wayne, wounded, 
is being carried into the fort. 

Room of the Committee on Naval Affairs., adjoining the 
above on the IST., name over the door. The general design of 
the decorations is Pompeian. The principal features of the 
ceilings are fresco representations of marine gods and god- 
desses and the figure of an attractive Indian female. Under 
the spring of the arches are representations of ancient porti- 
cos with antique vessels. The walls, painted in oil, are divided 
into nine panels, with blue background and figures represent- 
ing the attributes of the navy as centre-pieces ; the entire 
room executed by Brumidi. The pilasters are scagliola, by 
French artists. 

The Room of the Indian Committee., on the E. side, at the S. 
end of the same corridor, and originally intended for the use 
of the Committee on Agriculture, is decorated with American 
vines and fruits. The foliage is specially Avell executed. The 
ceiling is distemper and the walls oil ; executed by Castens, 
a German. At the E. end of the N. corridor, on the 1., is the 
Room of the Committee on Foreign Relations. On the ceiling, 
in distemper, are four well-executed eagles, and under the 
arches, in oil, four medallions, containing j^rofiles of chairmen 
of the committee : Clay jST., Allen S., Cameron E., Sumner W. 
The medallions are by Brumidi, and the rest of the room by 
Castens. The Judiciary Committee Room, on the same corridor, 
and that on the Library., are also beautifully finished. Under 
the arches of the basement, connecting range, are medallions 



OFFICIAL TELEGRAPH. J,'f)3 

of Patrick Ileiiivv, Jefferson, and Madison, E. side ; andllau- 
eock, J. Q. Adam*, andPIenry Lanrens, W. side. 

All the comniittec rooms in this Extension are riclil}' fni-- 
iiished. Tlic name of the committee is on or over the door 
of each. The inner rooms are devoted to the stoi-ag-e of pub- 
lic documents. At the W. end of N. corridor is tlie elevator. 

Heating and Ventilating.— The Senate heating and venti- 
lating apparatus occupies a number of vaults in the sub-base- 
ment of the S W. poi'tion of the Senate E xtension . It is al ways 
open to visitors, and may be reached through the first door in 
the K. Avail of the passage leading W., at the basement foot 
of the W. staircase, S. si'de. There are 4 fans : 2 for air and 
2 exiiaust ; 4 boilers, 3 engines, 2 steam-pumps, 1 for attic 
tank and 1 for boilers; 18 miles of steam-pipes in the entire 
Extension ; 1 vaporizer, 2 descending shafts from tlie loft of 
the Senate Chamber, and 1 ascending sliaft into the open air, 
the outlet at the base of the Dome. The principal air-sliaft 
enters from the glacis of the first terrace in the W. Park, 220 
ft. from the building, the air being drawn in by a fan, and 
forced through a main air-duct into the air-space under the 
floor of the Senate, and thence into the Chamber by means 
of registers. A branch air-duct commiuiicates with the gal- 
leries. The supply of fresh air is 30,000, and exhaust 40,000 
cubic ft. a minute. The original apparatus was designed by 
Capt. M. C. Meigs, and the exhaust and other improvements 
by H. F. Hayden, Chief EngineerU. S. Senate. The engineer 
in charge will explain the principle. While here it would be 
interesting to inspect the foundation walls of the building. 
Also inquire for the entrance to the pneumatic tube on the 
N. side, and designed to connect the Capitol and the Gov- 
ernment Printing Office, and for the elevator engine. 

Official Telegraph In the hall, at the E. end of the :N'. 

corrider of the basement, is the office of the Government 
Telegraph line, connecting the Capitol with the Executive 
Departments and Government Printing Office. The wires 
leave the building and cross the Capitol Grounds by a subterr- 
ranean cable, and thence on poles along N. Capitol st. to the 
Government Printing Office ; thence along G st. N". to the 
Interior, Post Office, and Ti-easury Departments and Attor- 
ney General's Oflice. From the Treasury Department they 
pass over the White House to the War and ISTavy Depart- 
ments, and by a single wire to the State Department, via 
17th St. W., Vermont av., and 14tli st. IST. It is proposed.to 
extend them to embrace all the isolated Bureaus, IS^avy-yard, 
and Arsenal. The line was constructed in 1873, by G. C. 
Vlaynard, under authority of an act of Congress. From the 



104 THE UNDERCROFT. 

Senate Extension the wires are conveyed under tlie arches of 
the sub-basement of the building to the House office. 

N. Wing Basement— Instead of returning- to the main 
floor, the visitor should follow the central corridor towards 
the S. In tlie main building on the r. are the Senate bath- 
rooms. On the 1. of the arched substruction of the elliptical 
vestibule is a passage into a vestibule, from which the door 
on tlie 1. enters the Law Library. The staircase leads to the 
vestibule N. of the Rotunda, on the main floor. 

Law Library. — This apartment is semi-circular, with an 
arched recess towards the W., and a colonnade recess on the 
E., back of which are the only windows. An arcade passage 
runs around the sweep of the circle, supporting a domical 
ceiling of masonry, resting on heavy Doric columns, covering 
the entire room. The ceiling is groined upon the surround- 
ing arches. In the tympanum of the W. arch, in the recess, 
is a plaster relief, by Franzoni, representing a figure of Jus- 
tice, and by her side Fame, crowned with a rising sun and 
pointing to the Constitution of the United States. The col- 
umns and piers of the arches of this room are heavy Doric. 
Some alterations Avere made on the original design of this 
room, owing to the fall of the vaulted ceiling, the result of 
defective construction. This led to the introduction of the 
columns, which have added greatly to the appearance of 
solidity, and has materially strengthened that part of the 
building. The alcoves for the books are arranged on the W. 
Returning to the corridor and continuing S. we enter 

The Orypt. — This interresting part of the basement of the 
Capitol may also be entered beneath the central Portico or 
W. door of basement. The Crypt presents a circular space, 
consisting of a treble colonnade! containing 40 Doric columns 
of the proportions of those of the Temple of Psestum, sur- 
mounted by groined arches running in radii direction, and 
supporting the floor of the Rotunda. The star in the pave- 
ment under the central arch denotes the exact center of the 
Capitol. 

The Undercroft.— Beneath the Crypt is the Undercroft, or 
vault, originally designed for the sarcophagus containing the 
remains of Washington. The key is in the room on r. of 
1. corridor, at the foot of the steps' descending from the W. 
door of the Crypt. An attache of the oflice will lead the 
way. The Undercroft is cruciform and arched. The square 
portion is 10 ft. In the centre of the crowning arch is a star, 
not distinguishable, however, which marks the exact centre 
of the immense pile above. In the vault is portion of the 



NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 105 

bier on which the remains of President Lincoln, Thaddeus 
Stevens, and Chief Justice Chase lay in state. 

Upon learning of the deatli of Wasliington, Congress, 
Dec. 24, 1799, passed resolutions appropriate to the sad 
event, and provided tliat a marble monument should be 
erected by tlie United States in the Capitol at Washington. 
The President was autliorized to request tlie wife of tlie de- 
parted patriot to permit liis body to be deposited under it. 
The monument was to-be so '•'designed as to commemorate 
the great events of his military and political life." In re- 
sponse to the letter of the President, Mrs. Washington thus 
trans mitted her assent : 

"Taught by tlie great example I have so long had before 
me, never to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I 
must consent to the request of Congress, which you had the 
goodness to transmit to me ; and in doing this I need not — 
I cannot — say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to 
a sense of public duty." 

The wish of Congress was not carried out, and a subse- 
quent request of the same character, in connection with the 
National Monument, was declined. 

Eeturning to the Crypt, it would be well to take a view of 
the substruction of the central Portico from the W. door. 
Leaving the Crypt by the S. door, the visitor enters a small 
octagonal vestibule, beyond which are document and folding 
rooms. The door to the 1. leads into another vestibule, of 
beautiful design, containing a stairway, into a circular vesti- 
bule on the main floor, communicating K. with the S. door 
of the Rotunda, and S. with the National Statuary Hall. 
This vestibule is crowned by a dome and cupola, and resem- 
bles a G-reek temple. The capitals of the columns are orna- 
mented with the leaf of the cotton plant, instead of the acan- 
thus. This vestibule corresponds with that on the N. side. 
It is suggested that the visitor here ascends to the main floor, 
and turning to the 1. or S. enters the 

National Statuary Hall. — The National Statuary Hall, for- 
merly used as the place of meeting of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, is Grecian in design, having been planned and 
adapted, by Latrobe, after the remains of the Tlieatre at Ath- 
ens. It consists of a semi-circle of 96 ft. chord. The ends 
of the prostyle and peristjde are separated by a wide project- 
ing surface of freestone, which rises to the top of the order 
and supports a segment arch, which corresponds with the 
segment of the vaulted celling that crowns the hall and ends 
against it. To the top of the entablature blocking is 35 ft., 
and to the apex of the domed ceiling 57 ft. The semi-peri- 



106 NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 

stylo or circular colonnade on the N". is composed of 14 col- 
umns and 2 ant^e, of the Corinthian order ; the shafts of solid 
blocks of variegated marble or breccia, quarried from the 
banks of the Potomac, above tlie city. The bases are free- 
stone. The capitals are of Carrara marble, executed in Italy, 
and designed after those in the Temple of Jupiter Stator at 
Rome — liadlield says after the capitals of the Lantern of De- 
mos at Athens. The entablature is of tlie proportions used 
in the former temple, ornamented with dentils and modil- 
lons, enriched with leaves and roses. The floor is of marble. 
A paneled dome springs overhead. The apex of the dome 
is pierced by a circular aperture, crowned by a lantern, serv- 
ing the doable purpose of light and ventilation. The dome 
is similar to that of the Panlheon at Rome. On the S. side 
of the hall, forming the loggia, are 8 colnmns and 2 antse of 
the same style as the peristyle. Over the entablature of this 
colonnade springs a beautiful 72 ft. chord. On the blocking 
of the cornice beneath is a figure of Libertij^ in plaster, by 
Caucici, 1829, originally intended for execution in marble. 
The figure, seen from the gallaries in front, produces a strik- 
ing eftect, and is in every respect worthy of the pupil of the 
great Canova. On the r. is the frustum of a column, around 
which a serpent, the emblem of wisdom, is entwining itself, 
and at the feet of the figure is an American eagle. In the 
frieze of the entablature, under this figure, is sculptured an 
eagle in stone, with outspread wings, the work of Valaperti, 
and of very superior merit. The gallery over the loggia was 
set apart for the ladies, having cushioned seats for the accom- 
modation of 200 persons : the general gallery would seat 500. 
Over the IST. door stands an exquisitely designed and beauti- 
fully executed clock in marble, by Chas. Franzoni, 1819. His- 
tory, her drapery floating in the air, is represented as standing 
in the winged car of Time and recording passing events. The 
car is placed on a globe, on Mdiich, in hasso relievo^ are cut 
the signs of the zodiac. The hours are marked on the face of 
the Avheel of the car. 

In July, 1864, a paragraph in an appropriation bill passed 
by Congress authorized the President of the United States 
to invite each and all the States to furnish statues, in marble 
or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each State, of 
deceased persons wiio have been citizens thereof and illustri- 
ous for their historic renown, or for distinguished civic or mili- 
tary service, as the States determine, worthy of this national 
commemoration, when so furnished to be placed in the old 
Hall of the House of Representatives, in the Capitol of the 
United States, which is set apart for a National Statuary 
Hall. 



NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 107 

It is to be regretted that so many years have ah-eacly been 
permitted to pass with so small a recognition of the grandeur 
of this projected iS'ational Gallery. 

The ^:itate contribidions in the order received are — 

liHODE Island — Major General Nathaniel Greene, a dis- 
tinguished officer of the Revolution. Marble, by H. K. Brown. 
lioger Williams, founder of Rhode Island and promoter of 
civil and religious liberty in America. Marble, by Simmons. 

Connecticut — Jonathan Trmnhnll, an eminent patriot of 
the Revolution. From him the term "Brother Jonathan,'^ 
as applied to the United States, originated. Marble, by Ives. 
Bogcr Sherman, one of the committee to draft the Declara- 
tion of Independence and signer of the same, member of 
the Constitutional Convention, and a Senator of the United 
States. Marble, by Ives, 1870. 

ISTew York — George Clinton, a statesman and officer of 
the Revolution, Governor of New Yorlv, Vice President of 
the United States 1805-181 3. Bronze, by H. K. Brown, 1873. 
Edward Livingston, Secretary of State 1831-1833. Now being 
executed in Italy. Marble, by Palmer. 

The following contributions liave been ordered : 

New Jersey — Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, a Senator of the United States. Mar- 
ble, by H. K. Brown. Nearly ready. Major General Philip 
Kearney, an officer of the Army of the United States. Killed 
in the rebellion of 1861-'65. Bronze, by H. K. Brown. 
Nearly ready. * 

In addition to the State contributions, the Hall also con- 
contains a plaster copy of the statue of George Washington at 
Richmond, by Houdon, 1788, representing the Father of his 
Country in civil attire, with a staff in his hand, his cloak and 
sword resting on a bundle of rods, and with a rude plow in 
the rear. The original was ordered by the General Assembly 
of Va. A bust of Abraham Lincoln, miivble, by Mrs. Ames, 
1868, $2,000, mounted on a beautiful pedestal of Aberdeen 
granite, presented to the Fortieth Congress; a bust of T, 
Kosciusko, the Pole, in marble, by Saunders, 1857, $500; 
bust of Thomas Crauford, sculptor; the superb statue of 
Alexander Hamilton, in marble, by Horatio Stone, 1868, 
$10,000; statue of Abraham Lincoln, bv Miss Ream, 1866, 
$15,000 ; II Penseroso, marble, Mozier, $2,000 ; and the statue 
of Thomas Jefferson signing the Declaration of Independence,, 
bronze, bv the celebrated David, of Angers, 1833, presented 
by Lieut." Uriah P. Levy, U. S. N., to his fellow-citizens,, 
formally accepted by Congress 1874, when it was removed 
from the grounds of the President's House, and cleaned. 

The panel E. end of the prostyle is without ornament. la 



108 HOUSE EXTENSION. 

the opposite panel is a life-size portrait of Henry Clay^ by 
John ISTeag-le, 1843, $500, and portraits of Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton, by Chester Harding; one of Gunning Bedford, 
a member of the Constitutional Convention from' Delaware, 
presented; one of Joshua R. Giddings, by Miss Ransom, 
:$1,000; and a mosaic of Abraham Lincoln,, by Salviati, of 
Venice, a manufacturer. 

It is proposed also to tit up this Hall with upper and lower 
galleries, with panels and niches, the former to be occupied 
by portraits of Speakers of tlie House of Representatives. 

When the Hall was occupied by the House, the Speaker's 
•chair stood on the S, side, upon an open rostrum about four 
feet above the floor, enclosed by a bronze balustrade. Rich 
crimson curtains fell in elegant folds from tlie capitals of the 
■columns, and were separated so as to form luxurious dra- 
peries as a background to tlie chair and rostrum. Below and 
in front of the' Speaker's rostrum stood the Clerk's desk, 
raised on a variegated socle. Upon this stood a rich mahog- 
a,ny table, with damask silk curtains. This platform was 
reached by steps on either side. Between the columns were 
sofas and accommodations for twenty reporters. 

The members' desks, of mahogany, with arm chairs, were 
arranged in concentric circles, the aisles forming radii from 
the centre. The Hall was arranged for 232 members. In the 
rear of the outer row of desks was a bronzed iron railing with 
•curtains, constituting tlie bar of the House. Outside of this 
was the lobby. I'he panels on either side of the ladies' gal- 
lery contained full-length portraits of Washington by Van- 
•derlyn, and Lafayette by Ary Scheffer, a present from the 
distinguished Frenchman upon his last visit to the United 
:States. These are now in the House of Representatives. 
Under these were copies of the Declaration of Independence, 
in frames emblematically ornamented. At night the Hall was 
lighted by "solar gas" from a chandelier at the apex of the 
dome. This Hall was occupied by Congress for 32 years. 
During the flrst days of the Rebellion, 1861-'65, troops were 
quartered in it. In 1862 it was used as a hospital for the sick 
;and wounded of the army ; and in 1864, b}^ act of Congress, 
was set apart for ics present appropriate purpose. 

South or " House " Extension. — The S. door of the N'ational 
Statuary Hall opens into a broad corridor, which constitutes 
the beginning of the S. Extension of the Capitol, devoted en- 
tirely to the uses of the House of Representatives, the lower 
branch of the Congress of the United States. This portion 
'Of the building corresponds, in its general features, with the 
Senate Extension, the larger size of the Hall of the Repre- 



HOUSE EXTENSION. 109 

sentatives constituting the only difference. Tlie E. staircase^ 
the same as the Senate, leads to the galleries for diplomatic 
representatives and families of members of Congress. At tlie 
foot, is the Statue of Jefferson, by Powers, 1863, $10,000, ex> 
ecuted in Italy, very superior. Opposite, over the first land- 
ing, is an equestrian portrait of General Winfeld Scott, by 
Troye, (not owned by the Government,) painted for the Vir- 
ginia legislature, the i-ebellion breaking out before it was de- 
livered. The main entrance into the vestibule beyond will be 
fitted "^^■ith a bronze door, the designs of which were prepared 
by Crawford, sculptor of tlie Senate door, previous to his- 
death, and executed, in model, by Khinehart, $9,000, and are 
now stored in the building. The door will represent scenes. 
in the life of Washington. The vestibule consists of 8 fluted, 
columns in coujjles, with capitals enriched with acantlms, to- 
bacco, and corn leaves. In the walls are niches. On the L 
of the S. coriidor is the Members^ Ectiring Boom, now used by 
the Official Reporters. The lohhy beyond and the floor of the 
Hall are open to the public during a recess or adjournment. 
At other times a member of the House can pass visitors into 
the former. The rules of the House designate those privi- 
leged to the floor. The lobby has an iron-paneled ceilings 
decorated in oil, after the style of the 15tli century. On the 
r. the doors open into the Hall, and on the 1. is the Sergeant- 
at-Arms'' Boom, in wliich tlie Mace is kept when the House of 
Representatives is not in session. The Speaker''s Boom, next 
on the i., is entirely finished in iron, enriched witli gilt. The. 
furniture and fittings are extremely fine. On the walls are 
engravings or photographs of the Speakers. On the 1. of the 
W. corridor are the Offices of the House. On the same cor- 
ridor is tlie fF. staircase, the same as on the E. At the foot 
is the head of Bee-she-kee, The Bufialo, a Chippeiva loarrior 
from tlie sources of the Mississippi, from nature hj F. Vin- 
centi, 1854; copied in bronze b,y Joseph Lassallo, 1858. Op- 
posite, over the first landing, is Westward Ho, a chromo-silica, 
by Emanuel Leutze, 1862, $20,000. The best view is from 
the balustrade at the top of the staircase. The painting rep- 
resents an emigrant train crossing the Rockj^ Moimtains. The 
figures are excellent, and the face of nature in those liigli al- 
titudes is faithfully portrayed. A guide to these Mild regions"^ 
leads the way. The faces of the travel-worn emigrants beam 
with hope. In the distant valley in the rear is an emigrant 
camp. The snow-clad peaks and rugged rocks all appear in 
their wild sublimity. Above are the words "Westward the 
Course of Empire takes it way," and below is the "Golden 
Gate," the entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. The 
entire picture is surrounded by an appropriate border. In 



110 



HALL OP THE HOUSE. 
t l 1^ I 1 




MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE. 



Ill 



REPRESENTATIVES. 



1 A. R. Cotton 

2 J. W. Be?ole 

3 W. H. Lamport 

4 J. G. Scliumaker 

5 A. H. Willie 

6 M. Saylcr 

7 W. P. McLean 

8 T. Swann 

9 H. W. Parker 
IQ S. 8. Cox, 

11 R. M. Speer 

12 A. H. Stephen* 

13 H. B. Smith 

14 J. Cobura 

15 I. W. Scudder 
IG J. B. Storm, 

17 J. B. Clarke, Jr. 

18 A. H. Buckner 

19 R. B. Vance 

20 A. White 

21 DeW. 0. Gildings 

22 W. S. Herndoii 

23 J. D. C. Atkins 

24 G. M. A-Umi 
2i') J. Hancock 

26 J. M. Pendleton 

27 J. W. Kiliinjer 

28 D. A. Nunn 

29 C. St John 
3(1 C. L. Cob!) 

31 H. Maynard 

32 L. B. Gunckol 

33 A. H. Smith 

34 T. Whitehead 

35 W. M. Robbins 

36 J. M. l^eaoh 

37 L. Q. 0. Lamar 

38 J. B. Beck 



Iowa 39 C. A. Eldredge 
Mich 4(1 W. R. Kobert3 
X. Y. 41 P. Cook 
N. Y.I 42 W.J. O'Brien 
Tex ii W. S. Holman 

O. 44 S. Archer 

Tex 45 C. Pelham 

Md 4(5 D. M. De Witt 

N. H. 47 J. R. Lofland 

N. Y. 48 T. J. Creamer 

Pa 49 J. R. Eden 

Ga 50 G. Barrere 

X. Y. ' 51 J. (i. Smith 

Ind 52 D. W. Gooch 
N T. 53 S. Hooper 
Pa. 54 E. D. Standefotd 
Mo .50 H. P. BeU 
Mo :'«; H. B. Harria 
N. C. ' 57 A. Comingo 
Ala 58 J. M. Glover 
Tex .59 M J. Durham 
Tex ' (30 A. Mitchell 
Tenn ' 61 Vf. E. Niblack 
Ky 02 L. T. Neal 
Tex 63 R, Hamilton 
R. I. i 64 M. I. Southard 

Pa; 65 F. Wood 
Tenn : 6u R. P. Bland 
N. Y'. |67 J. Wilson 
N. C. ! 68 E. R. Hoar 
Tenn 1 69 S. W. Kellogg 
0. i 70 C. C. Sheata 
Pal 71 8. F. Kersey, 
Va i 72 E. K. Wilaoa 
N. C. 73 M. W. Field 
N. C. ! 74 J. Berry 
Miss: 75 J. McNulta 
Kyi 76 A. M. WaddeU 



Wis 

N. Y. 

Ga 

Ml 



N. Y. 

Del 

N. Y. 



Mo 
Moi 
Kyi 

Wis 

Ind 

N.^ 

0. 

N. Y. 

Mo 

Iowa 

Mass 

Conn 

Ata 

Me. 



77 T. S. Ashe 

78 J. H. S1033 

79 T. T. Crittenden 
8 > J- Y. Brown. 

81 W. B. Read 

82 R. i\r. KnaDp 
8:{ J. T. Hams 
84 J. C. Robinson 
8.'. E. Perry 

8ii Hiester Clymer 

87 C. N. Lamison 

88 F. Hereford 
8'.> E. Wells 

90 H. [,. Pierce 

91 C. Hays 
S2 J. H. Piatt, Jr 
9:i J. R. Hawlev 
'.>4 J. M. Hassans 



. C. 115 J. A. Smith 
Ala 116 W. Townsend 
Mo 117 L. K. Bass 
Kt 118 A. F. Pike 
Ky 119 I- R- Sherwood 
HI 120 W. H. Barnum 
Ta 121 A. Hodces 
111 122 W. Wiltsh re 
;. Y. 12;! C. T. ThoJOiS 



p» 

N. Y. 
N. H. 
0. 
Oonn 
Ark. 
Ark 
V» 



M. K. AxmJtrong D«k 



W. V. 126 W. S. Moore 
Mo 127 >. P. Chipman 
Ma*8 li8 W. E.Arthur 
.Ala 129 J. H. Caldwell 
Va 130 S. J. Randall 
( onn in J. W. Nesmith 
W. Va 132 A. Sloan 
Mich 13a S. K. Wolfe 

96 H. W. Barry Mis? 134 J. D. Young 

97 J H. 1-lount Ga 135 J. K. Luttrell 

98 H. B. Banning 136 J. M. Bright 
99C.W.MiUikeii. Ky ia7 L. Todd 

100 C. W. Kendall Nev 138 E. Hu. ter 

101 S. S. Marshall III IBM J. J. Darit 

102 R. Q. Mills Tex 140 B. T. Rowen 

103 J. A. Magee Va HI A. R. Howe MIsi 

104 P. M. B. Young Ga 142 J. Hailey Id.T. 

105 R. A. Hatcher Mo 143 L. A. t^heldoa U 

106 E.Crossland Ky 144 F. G. Bromberg Ala 

107 W.C.Whitthorne Tenn 145 R. C. McCormick Ar.T, 

108 J.O.Whitehouse N. Y. 1 146 W. R. Steele Wg.T. 
I'll 147 0. B. McFadden Wa.T. 
La 148 G '). l^annan U. T 
111 149 >'.Ma5innis. M- 1 

Mo 150 F, Clark. N. Y. 

N. Y. 151 J. B. Sener 



D.C. 
Kj 

Alt 
ft 
Ore 
G» 

Ind 
Ky 
Gal 
Tenn 
P» 



Va 



109 W. R. Morrison 

110 F. Morev 

111 0. B. Farwell 

112 W. H. Stone 

113 C. N. 1 otter 

114 H. J. Jewett 



T» 



West Side. 



N. Y 



1 0. P. Snyder Ark 

2 C. Clayton Cal 

3 A. S. Wallace S. C. 

4 H.H. Starkweather Conn 

5 J. Cessna Pa 
« G. W. Hazeltou Wis 

7 A. Crocker Mass 

8 P. 8. Crooke N. Y. 

9 S. L. W"oodford N. Y. 

10 J Monroe, 

11 D. B. Mellish 

12 J. S. Ne?ley 

13 W. B. Williams 

14 W. H. Ray 

15 N. B. Bradley 

16 J. N. Tyner 

17 W. P. Sprazue 

18 W. P. Frye 

19 I. C. Parker 

20 L. D. Shoemaker 

21 G. L. Fort 

22 S. Ross 

23 L. P. Poland 

24 G. W. Scofield 

25 C. B. Curtis 

26 J. D. Lawson 

27 R. H. Duell 

28 A. C. Harmer 

29 L. D. Wooiworth 

30 M. L. Ward 

31 G. S. Orth 

32 R. R. Butler 

33 C. R. Thomas 

34 H. Waldron 
36 J. W. Hazelton 
36 J. C. Burrows 
87 C. Albright 
98 J. A. HubbeU 



39 G. W. Hendee 

40 J. M. Wilson 

41 G. W. MoCrary 

42 H. L. Dawes 

43 B. T. Eames 

44 G. F. Hoar 

45 H. S. Bundy, 

46 J. Niles 

47 P. Sawyer 

48 C. G. Williams 

49 E. 0. Stanard 

50 H. 0. Pratt 

51 D. Wilber 

52 J. H. Burleigh 
Mich 1 5:5 W. E. Lansing 

Ind 1 54 W. J, Albert 

: 55 H. L. Richmond 
Me;56 J. B. Packer 
Mo ! 57 J. T. Averill 
Pa 58 C, W. Willard 
lU 59 B W. Harria 
Pa (30 H. H. Hathorn 
Vt 61 W. A. Smith 
Pa 62 C L. Merriam 
Pa I 6.-! C. Foster 
N. Y. i04 W. Williams 
N. Y. 1 65 M. H. Dunnell 
Pa 66 H. B. Strait, 
0. 67 H E. Havena 
N. J. ' 68 J. A. Kasson 

Ind 69 I. Clements 
Tenn 70 W. G. Donnan 
N. C. 71 J. W. McDill 
Mich 72 W. W. Phelps 



Pa 

Pa I 
Minn 

Vt 
Mass 
N. Y. 
N. C. 
N. Y. 

0. 

Ind 
Minn 



79 D. P. Lowe 

80 H. B. Sayler 

81 J.D. ttra»bridg< 

82 .1. D. Ward 

83 W. D. Kelley 

84 J. M. Rusk 

85 SI. (;. Hunter 

86 E. H. Roberts 

87 L. Myers 

88 H. C. Burchard 

89 S. A. Hurlburt 

90 J. S. Martin 

91 J. B. Hawley 

92 G. C. McKee 

93 A. J. Ransier 

94 R. H. Whiteley. 

95 J. R. Lynch 

96 J. S. Smart 

97 J. H. Rainey 



Kan 117 J. A. Ga'rfield 
Ind 118 R. C. Parsons 
Pa 119 C. B. Darrall 
111 120 W. J. Hynes 
Pa 121 G. L. Smith 
Wis 122 R. H. Cain 
I»d 1 123 J. P. C. Shanka 
N. Y. 124 W. J. Furman 



O. 
0. 
la 

Ark 
lit 
S. C. 
Ind 
Fla 
La 
Wu 
Iowa 
Mo 



N. J. 73 C. D. MacDougall N. Y. 

Mich 74 H. F. Page Cal 

Pa 75 S. A. Dobbins N. J. 

Mich T6 A. Clark, Jr. N. J. 



Ill 127 J. Orr 

111 128 I. B. Hyde 

111 129 J. Buffinton 

Miss 1131 T.J. Cason 

S. 0. 131 L. Danford 

Qa. 1 132 A. W. Taylor 

Miss i;i3 H. H. Harrisc 

N. Y. ' va L. Crounse 

S. C. ,135 W. H. H. Stowell Va 

Fla 136 J. M. S. Williams Masa 

Mms 137 J. T. Rapier Ala 

Md 138 0. D. Conjier Mich 

J*. M. i lo9 G. Willard 

Cal 14(1 L. Tremain 

C. T. il41 G. G. Hoskina 

142 T. C. Piatt 
Tenn 1 143 J. G. Cannon 
.16 J.M.Thornburgh Tenn; 144 W. B Small 
107 H. J. Sculder N. Y. 145 J. A. Barber 
!l08 C. O'Xeill Pa! 14(5 J. Packard 

Ga 147 R. B. Elliott 
111 148 W. Lawrence 
111 j 149 S. A. Cobb, 
N. Y. 150 J. S. Biery 
Kan. 151 B. MoJunkin 
114 W. A. Wheeler N. Y. I " 



99 B. F. Butler 

100 L. l.owndea. Jr 

101 S. B. Elkius 

102 S. 0. Houi'hton 

103 J. B. Chaffee 

104 J. W. Robinson 

105 B. Lewis 



1119 J. <^. Freeman 

110 J. B. Rice 

111 F. Corwin 

112 W. L. Sessions 



0. 

Pa 

Tenn 

Neb 



Mich 

N. Y. 

N. Y. 

N. Y. 

Ill 

N. H. 

Wis 

Ind 

S. C. 





P» 



112 HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

that on the N. is a portrait of Daniel Boone, and below the 
words — 

" The spirit grows with its allotted space. 
The mind is narrowed in a narrow sphere." 

Opposite is a portrait of Capt. William Clarke, and beneath 
the words — 

" No pent-up Utica contracts our powers. 
But the whole boundless continent is ours." 

Second Floor. — The visitor has now reached the second 
story, or gallery floor. The corridors on the W., where he 
stands, and on the ^. and E., are open to the public. That 
on the S. is devoted to the Press Telegraph Offices^ and Re- 
porter s Eetiring Room in the W. half, and Ladies'' Retiring 
Room on the E. The latter is reached by the IST. and E. cor- 
ridors, the entrance being at the S. end of the latter, right- 
hand side. The House Document Library, containing about 
60,000 vols., is on the N. corridor centre, IST. side. Commit- 
tee rooms open from the outside upon the E. and W. corri- 
dors. The corridors are neatly but plainly finished, in stucco 
ornamentations, on tinted and plain background. 

Galleries. — The galleries entered from the W. doors are 
for ladies or gentlemen accompanied by ladies; on the N. 
for gentlemen; on E. families of members and diplomatic 
n^presentatives and ladies; and on the S., in centre, mem- 
bers of the pi-ess and ladies on either side. The entrances 
to all these galleries, during the sessions of Congress, are 
guarded by doorkeepers, whose duty it is to seat the people, 
and to see that proper decorum is observed. 

The Hall of the Eepresentatives— or the "House of Kep- 
resentatives," occupies the centre of the main floor of the S. 
Extension of the Capitol. The dimensions of this superb 
legislative hall, the flnest in the world, are : length, 139 ft. ; 
width, 93 ft. ; height, 3G ft. The measurement of the floor 
is 115 ft. by 67 ft.' The form of the hall is a parallelogi-am, 
with a range of galleries on the four sides, and capable of 
seating about 2,500 persons. Beneath these galleries, against 
the ISf., E., and W. walls, are cloak and retiring rooms. 
Under the galleries, over the back of the Speaker's chair, is 
the lobby. 

Upon the floor of the Hall are oak desks for 302 members 
and delegates, arranged in 7 concentric semi-circles, facing 
the S. The aisles diverge from the Speaker's "desk." The 
latter is raised about 3 ft. from the floor. In front are desks 
for tlite clerks of the House, and still in front desks for the 
official reporters. These are made of white marble, with a 



BASEMENT. 113 

base of Tennessee, and are extremely beautiful. The clock 
marks the morning hour and limit, of debate. E. of the 
Speaker is a circular pedestal of Vermont marble, upon which 
the mace or insignia of autliority is placed wlien tlie House is^ 
in session. When not in use, this may be seen in tlie room of 
the Sergeant-at-Arms in the SE. end of the lobby. It con- 
sists of a bundle of lictor's rods, bound together by silver liga- 
tures, and surmounted by a silv'er terrestial globe, crowned by 
the American eagle. Against the wall on the same side is a 
full-length portrait of Washington, by Vanderlyn, 1834, and 
in tiie corresponding position on the W. a similar portrait of 
the Marquis de Lafayette,by Ary Sclieffer,1822, the celebrated 
French artist. The latter was presented to Congress by La- 
fayette upon his last visit to the United States. In tlie W. 
panel of the S. wall, under the gallery, is a fresco by Bru- 
midi, representing Washington at Yorktown receiving the 
officer sent by Cornwallis to ask a two days' cessation of hos- 
tilities, and in place of which two hours were granted. The 
fresco was necessarily finished in great haste. The location 
is also unsuitable. Over the N. door is a clock, surmounted 
by an eagle, and supported on either side by figiu-es of an In- 
dian and hunter. 

The ceiling of the Hall is of cast iron, paneled, and highly 
enriched with gilt moldings, and supported on a decorated 
cornice. There are 45 panels, filled with glass of appropriate 
design, 37 with stained centre pieces, representing the coats 
of arms of the States. There are two outer rows of panels, 
that nearest the walls consisting of open work with massive 
pendants in the centre. The iron frame-work of the panels 
is beautifully painted and gilded. Between the ceiling and 
the roof of the building is the illuminating loft, which also 
accommodates the truss-work connecting the frame of the 
ceiling with the roof, in order to secure increased strength. 
Inside the panels are gas jets, numbering about 1,500, lighted 
by electricity, and w^hich, during night sessions, shed a mel- 
low light upon the Hall beneath. The Hall is heated and 
ventilated by the same means as devised for the Senate. 

Basement.— The basement, reached beneath the E. or W. 
staircase, is entirely without decoration. The central cor- 
ridor, 25 ft. wide from N. to S., consists of a fine colonnade 
of 14 fluted marble columns on each side, with capitals 
formed of acanthus, tobacco, and corn leaves. The walls 
are scagliola, Imitating Sienna marble, the ceiling iron, and 
the floor of encaustic "tiles. On the 1. is the "House" Re- 
fectory. The central corridor on the left passes the bath 
rooms, and terminates in the E. vestibule. The narrow 



114 HJ STORY. 

pass;ig*e on tlie 1. leads to the steps to the vaults and sub- 
basement, in which are the kitchens, heating- and ventilat- 
ing apparatus, and coal vaults. These are ^naterially the 
same as beneatli the Senate. 

Committee Eooms, — The onl}^ committee room of special 
interest is that on Agriculture, in the basement, on the W. 
side of the W. cori-idor S.. and neai- the foot of the W. stair- 
case. This room was decorated by Brumidi in 1855, the lirst 
work of the kind done on the Capitol, and, with the excep- 
tion of the panels, is frescoed throughout. On the ceilings 
are representations of thefoia- seasons^ symbolized in Flora, 
Ceres, Bacchus, and Boreas. On the E. wall is a fresco 
representing Cincinnatus called from the plow to be Dictator 
of Kome. On the opposite wall is a corresponding scene, rep- 
resenting Putnam called from rlic plow to join in the battles 
of the Eevohition. On the S. is a medallion of Washington^ 
and beneath a Harvest in the Olden Time. Opposite Jefferson., 
and beneath, a Harvest Scene ivith Modern Improvements. 
This room may be seen by rapping at the door or making 
inquiry of one of the Capitol Police. 

The visitor has now seen the grander features of the Capi- 
tol. Those portions having no special interest have been 
purposely omitted, it being considered unnecessary to burden 
him with useless and unimportant details. 

Capitol Police, — The Capitol is patrolled by a special police 
corps, organized in 1862, and under the exclusive control of 
Congress. Tlie officer-; and privates are invariably courteous, 
and will take pleasure at all times in directing or escorting 
strangers to various parts of the building. 

Architects of the Capitol.— 1793, Dr. William Thornton, of 
Penn., an amateur, designer of the Capitol; 1793, Stephen 
Hallet, France; 1794, James Iloban, S. C; 1795, George 
Hadfield, England ; 1796, James Hoban, S. C. ; 1797, George 
Hadfield, England ; 1803, K. H. Latrobe, Md. ; 1817. Charles 
Bultinch, Mass. ; 1851, Thomas U. AValter, Penn. ; 1865, Ed- 
ward Clark, Penn. 

History. — The site of the Capitol, if not chosen, was ap- 
proved by Washington, in the original plans of tlie city, sub- 
mitted to him by L'Enfant, and in the summer of 1791 was 
located by the commissioners. On this occasion Mr. EUicott 
drew the meridian and the E. and W. lines, at the intersection 
of which the Capitol was to stand. This having been accom- 
plished, in March, 1792, the commissioners prepared adver- 
tisements, which were published in the principal towns and 



HISTORY. 115 

cities of the United States, offering a premium of $500, or a 
medal, for a plan of a President's House and Capitol. In tliis 
matter Jefterson toolv an active interest. During his resi- 
dence in Europe he had collected drawings of the fronts of 
celebrated public buildings. These were now produced for 
examination. He suggested, in the present instance, that 
the style of architecture of tlie Capitol should be taken from 
some model of antiquity, and that the President's House 
should be modern. In response to the advertisements, a 
number of plans were submitted, but in the selection of one 
for the Capitol there was a variety of opinions. 

A plan by Dr. Wm. Thornton, of Penn., but materially al- 
tered and improved by others, was approved by Washington 
and submitted to Steplien Hallet, a French architect, who was 
intrusted Avith its execution. On Sept. 18, 1793, tlie corner- 
stone of tlie edifice, SE. corner, was laid b}^ Brother GEORaE 
Washington, assisted by the Worshipful Masters and Free 
Masons of the surrounding cities, the military, and a large 
number of people. The silver plate deposited in the cavity 
of the stone bore the following inscription : 

" This southeast corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of America, in 
the City of Washington, was laid on the i8th day of September, 1793, in the thir- 
teenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the second term of the 
Presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil administration of his 
country have been as conspicuous and beneficial, as his military valor and prudence 
have been useful in establishing her liberties, and in the year of Masonry, 5793, by 
the President of the United States, in concert with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, 
several Lodges under its jurisdiction, and Lodge No. 22 from Alexandria, Virginia. 

"Thomas Johnson, David Stewart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners; Joseph 
Clarke, R. W. G. M. P. T. ; James Hoban and Stephen Hallate, Architects ; Collin 
Williamson, M, Mason." 

After ascending from the cavazion, the Grand Master, P. T., 
Joseph Clarke^ delivered an oration, during which, at inter- 
vals, volleys were fired by the artillery. The ceremony closed 
in prayer, Masonic chanting honors, and a national salute of 
15 guns. 

The President wore the apron and full regalia of a Mason. 
The gavel used on the occasion was of ivory, and is still pre- 
served as a treasured relic by Lodge N"o. 9 of Georgetown. 

After the dedicator}^ ceremonies the entire assemblage 
took part in a barbecue arranged for the occasion in the E. 
Park. 

The N". Wing was ready for occupation in 1800. In the 
completed wing the Senate on the W. side, House of Repre- 
sentatives on E., and Supreme Court in the basement, first 
held their sessions. In 1801 the House occupied a temporary 
structure called the '•'Oven," erected on the site of the pres- 
ent S. Extension. In 1805 it returned to its first apartment 
in the IS". Wing. In 1803 President Jeff"erson appointed R. H. 



116 HISTORY. 

Latrobe Architect of the Capitol. This gentleman made rad 
ical changes in tlie elevation and ground-plan of the building, 
raising the floor from the ground story to the principal ordei 
over the casement. The S. Wing was in readiness for the 
occupation of Congress in 1811. The central portions w^ere 
still unfinished. An unsightly wooden passage connected 
the two wings. During the war of 1812 work on the build- 
ing was suspended. In 1814 the interior of both wings was 
destroyed by the British, after which Congress, on Sept. 19, 
1814, met temporarily in the structure known as Blodgett's 
Hotel, situated on the E-st. front of the square now occupied 
by the General Post Office. The session of Congress com- 
mencing Dec. 18, 1815, assembled in a building on the SE. 
corner of A and 1st sts. NE., erected by the citizens of 
Washington for the purpose, and was occupied till the res- 
toration of the S. Wing of the original Capitol. 

In 1815, after an obstinate discussion, for a time threatening 
the most serious consequences to the harmony of the Union, 
Congress determined to restore the Capitol. The work of res- 
toration was commenced by Mi-. Latrobe, who resigned in 
1817. President Monroe appointed Charles Bulfinch, of Bos- 
ton, as his successor. That architect commenced the central 
portions of the building, including the Rotunda and Library, 
in 1818, which were completed in 1827. In 1818 a temporary 
building was erected near the Capitol for the use of commit- 
tees of' Congress. The plans of Latrobe, with a few slight 
modifications, were carried out, and the entire structure, with 
terraces and grounds, was completed in 13 years, at a cost, in- 
cluding alterations, repairs, &c., and improvement of grounds 
to 1851, when the Extensions were added, of $2,690,459 21. In 
Sept., 1850, Congress passed an act authoiizing tlie extension 
of the Capitol. Thomas U. Walter, the architect of Girard 
College, at Philadelphia, in June, 1851, submitted a plan of 
extension to President Fillmore. This was accepted, and Mr. 
Walter was designated to carry it into execution. The corner- 
stone of the S. extension was laid on July 4, 1851. The fol- 
lowing is a copy of the record deposited beneath the corner- 
stone : 

'■'■On the morning of the first day of the seventy-sixth year of the Independence 
of the United States of America, in the City of Washington, being the 4th day of 
July, 1851, this stone, designed as the corner-stone of the Extension of the Capitol, 
according to a plan approved by the President, in pursuance of an act of Congress, 
was laid by 

MILLARD FILLMORE, 
President of the United States, 
assisted'by the Grand Master of the Masonic Lodges, in the presence of many 
members of Congress; of officers of the Executive and Judiciary departments. 
National, State, and District ; of oiRcers of the Army and Navy ; the corporate au- 
thorities of this and neighboring cities j many associations, civil and military and 



HISTORY. 117 

Masonic; officers of the Smithsonian Institution and National Institute; professors 
of colleges and teachers of schools of the District of Columbia, with their students 
and pupils, and a vast concourse of people from places near and remote, including 
a few surviving gentlemen who witnessed the laying of the corner-stone of the 
Capitol by President Washington, on the eighteenth day of September, seventeen 
hundred and ninety-three. 

" If, therefore, it shall be hereafter the will of God that this structure shall fall 
from its base, that its foundation be up-turned, and this deposit brought to the eye 
of men, be it known that, on this day, the Union of the United States of America 
stands firm ; that their Constitution still exists unimpaired, and with all its original 
usefulness and glory, growing every day stronger and stronger in the affections of 
the great body of the American people, and attracting more and more the admira- 
tion of the world. And all here assembled, whether belonging to public life or to 
private life, with hearts devoutly thankful to Almighty God for the preservation of 
the liberty and happincs'; of the country, unite in sincere and fervent prayers that 
this deposit, and the walls and arches, the domes and towers, the columns and en- 
tablatures, now to be erected over it, may endure forever! 

" God save the United States of America ! Daniel Webster, 

'■'•Secretary of State of the United States.'" 

Daniel Webster, the orator of the day, concluded the cere- 
monies in an eloquent address. 

In 1855 Cong-ress authorized the removal of the Dome over 
the centre of the Capitol, and the construction of a new one 
of iron, according* to the plans of Mr. Walter. The fii-st Dome 
was built of wood. In the fire of 1851, Mdiich consumed the 
interior of the Library of the United States, this Dome was 
in imminent danger. Though it escaped destruction, the 
lesson suggested its removal, which was done in 1856. In its 
place the erection of the present Dome of iron, finished in 
1865, was undertaken. The inner shell of the first Dome was 
ornamented with panels or caissons, and modeled after that 
of the Pantheon of Agrippa at Rome. It was smaller in size, 
the Dome of the Capitol being 96 ft. in height and diameter, 
and 122i ft. to tlie skjdight. The Dome of the Pantheon was 
142 ft. ill diameter, which was about the same as the height, 
one half being the height of the Dome and the circular open- 
ing for light 23 ft. in'diameter. The outer shell of the Dome 
of the Capitol was higher in proportion than its original in 
Rome. The circular aperture at the apex was also covered 
by a cupola, around which there was a balusti-ade, reached by 
a stairway between the inner and outer shells. The access, 
however, was inconvenient and dangerous. On one occasion 
a lady slipped and fell upon the sash, breaking tlie glass, but 
was prevented from precipitation to the pavement oi the Ro- 
tunda below by the strength of the frame. 

The work on the Capitol was continued througli the war of 
the rebellion, 1861-'65. On December 12, 1863, at noon, the 
statue of Freedom which surmounts the Dome was placed in 
position. The flag of the United States was unfurled from 
its crest, and was greeted by the shouts of thousands of citi- 
zens and soldiers. A national salute of 35 guns was fii-ed by 



118 HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

a field battery in the E. Park, and was responded to by the 
great guns of the chahi of forts constitutmg the defenses of 
the threatened Capital of the ISTation. 

The new Hall of the S. Extension was occupied by the 
House of Representatives Dec. 16, 1857, and tliat of the N".. 
hy the Senate Jan. 4, 1859. The Capitol to date cost : main 
Baildino-, $3,000,000; Dome, $1,000,000; Extensions :N'. and 
S., $8,000,000; miscellaneous, $1,000,000. 



HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

The establishment of a General Union of the British Colo- 
nies in K. America was early suggested as necessary to the 
maintenance of English supreniacy on the American conti- 
nent, as well as to secure safety at home. In 1643 a Confed- 
eracy of the Colonies of New England was formed, which 
answered admhably as a means of defense and offense in the 
affairs pertaining to that particular section. 

On February 8, 1697, William Penn presented to the Board 
of Commissioners in London "A brief e and plaine scheam 
how the English colonies on the north parts of America, 
namely, Boston, Connecticut, Road Island, New York, New 
Jerseys, Pennsilvania, Marjdand, Virginia, and Carolina, 
may be made more usef ull to the crown and one another's 
peace and safety with an universal concurrence." This was 
the first suggestion of a complete union of all the colonies for 
purposes of external defense, or to act in matters exclusively 
intercolonial. It was sixty-nine years after Penn made his 
proposition to the Lords Commissioners that the First Amer- 
ican Congress^ on Oct. 7, 1765, met in New York, in opposi- 
tion to several measures of the British Parliament, chiefly 
the stamp act. 

The First Continental Congress, Peyton Randolph, of Va., 
President, met at Philadelphia in Sept., 1774, all the colonies 
except Georgia being represented. The British king and 
ministry were highly incensed at these "persons, styling 
themselves delegates of his majesty's colonies in America, 
having presumed, without his majesty's consent, to assemble 
together at Philadelphia." A circular was sent to all the 
colonial governors, and every effort was made, by threat or 
mtimidation, to frustrate the assembling of the proposed 
Congress of 1775. The royal disapprobation of the proceed- 



RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION. 119 

ing had no effect whatever. The Congress met at the ap- 
pohitecl time and place, and Peyton Randolph, of Va., was 
again chosen President. Since this gathering the American 
Congress, Continental or General, as it was variously styled, 
has had an unbroken line of succession. 

Sessions of the Continental Congress. — Comni'^nced 1774, 
Sept. 5, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 1775, May 10, Philadelphia, 
Penn. ; 1776, Dec. 20, Baltimore, Md. ; 1777, March 4, Phil- 
adelphia, Penn.; 1777, Sept. 27, Lancaster, Penn.; 1777, 
Sept. 30, York, Penn.; 1778. July 2, Philadelphia, Penu.; 
1783, June 30, Princeton, N. J. ; 1783, l^ov. 26, Annapolis, 
Md. ; 1784, ]S"ov. 1, Treuton, :N". J.; 1785, Jan. 11, jS'ew 
York City, IS". Y., until the adoption of the Constitution of 
the United States. 

Presidents of the Continental Congress. 1774-1788.— Pey- 
ton Randolph, Va., elected Sept. 5, 1774 ; Henry Middleton, 
S. C, Oct. 22, 1774; Peyton Randolph, Va., May 10, 1775; 
John Hancock, Mass., May 24, 1775; Henry Laurens, S. C, 
Nov. 1, 1777; John Jay, N". Y., Dec. 10, 1778; Samuel 
Huntingdon, Conn., Sept. 28, 1779; Tiiomas McKean, Del., 
July 10, 1781 ; John Hanson, Md., ^N'ov. 5, 1781 ; Elias Bou- 
dinot, N. J., jS'ov. 4, 1782; Thomas Mifflin, Penn., :N'ov. 3, 
1783; Richard Henry Lee, Va., Nov. 30, 1784; Nathaniel 
Gorham, Mass., June 6, 1786; Artlun- St. Clair, Penn., Feb. 
2, 1787; Cvrus Griffin, Va., Jan. 22, 1788. 

Under the Articles of Confederation, executed at Phila- 
delphia July 9, 1778, Congress met annually on the first 
Monday in November, till the Constitution of tlie United 
States went into operation, in 1789. 

Eatification of the Constitntion.— The Constitution of the 
United States of America was adopted September 17, 1787, 
pursuant to a resolution dated February 21, 1787, of the Con- 
gress assembled under the provisions of the Articles of Con- 
federation. The ratification, in convention, by the tliirteen 
original States, was as follows: 1787, Dec. 7, Delaware ; 1787, 
Dec. 12, Pennsylvania ; 17S7, Dec. 18, New Jersey ; 1788, Jan, 
2, Georgia; 1788, Jan. 9, Connecticut; 1788, Feb. 6, Massa- 
chusetts; 1788, April 28, Marvland; 1788, May 23, South Car- 
olina; 1788, June 21, New Hampshire; 1788, June 26, Vir- 
ginia; 1788, Julv26, New York; 1789, Nov. 21, North Carolina; 
1790, May 29, Rhode Island. 

The first Congress under the Constitution commenced March 
4, 1789, held two sessions in New York City, and subsequent- 
ly met in Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1790. For the next ten years 
the national capital found a resting place on the very spot 



120 PRESIDENTS OF THE SENATE. 

where the Contmental Congress of 1776 had given to the world 
that great instrument of Ainerican freedom the Declaration 
of Independence. The next step was to plant itself upon the 
broad waters of the Potomac. 

In June, 1800, the executive branch of the Government 
was transferred from Philadelphia to the Permanent Seat 
of Government^ and future Capital of the Republic establish- 
ed, by the act of 1790. The 6th Congress, 2d Session, the 
fii-st which met in the City of Wasliington, assembled here 
on Nov. 17, 1800, the third Monday of Nov., but failed of a 
quorum of the Senate till Nov. 21, on which daj' the Presi- 
dent of the United States and House of Representatives 
were notified of the organization of that body. On the next 
day the President of the United States, John Adams, in 
person, delivered an appropriate address to the two Houses 
of Congress assembled in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol. 

The Constitution requires that '•'• Congress shall assemble at 
least once in everj^ year, and such meeting shall be on the 
first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint 
a different day." Article I section 1 of the Constitution 
provides that all legislative powers therein granted shall be 
vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist 
of a Senate and House of Bejn^esentatives. The Senate is 
composed of two Senators from each State, cliosen by the 
Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator has one 
vote. The Senate is divided equally into tliree classes, so 
that one third may be chosen every second year, the senato- 
rial term of a class always beginning with a new Congress. 
The Senate has advisory as well as legislative powers. Pres- 
ent number 74. 

Presidents of the Senate. — (Vice Presidents of the United 
States.) — 1789, 1-4 Congress, John Adams, Mass. ; 1797, 5-6, 
Thomas Jefierson, Ya. ; 1801, 7-8, Aaron Burr, N. Y. ; 1805, 
9-12, George Clinton, N. Y. ; 1813, 13-14, Elbridge Gerry, 
Mass. ; 1817, 15-18, D. D. Tompkins, N. Y. ; 1825, 19-22, J. 
C. Calhoun, S. C. ; 1833, 23-24, Martin Van Buren, N. Y. ; 
1837, 25-26, P. M. Johnson, Ky. ; 1841, 27, John Tyler, Va. ; 
1843, 28, vacant ; 1845, 29-30, G. M. Dallas, Penn. ; 1849, 
31, Millard Fillmore, N. Y. ; 1851, 32, vacant; 1853, 33-34, 
W. E. King, 1 mo., Ala,; 1853, 33-34, vacant; 1857, 35-36, 
John C. Breckiiiridge, Ky. ; 1861, 37-38, H. Hamlin, Me. ; 
1865, 39-40, A. Johnson, Tenn. ; 1867, 40, vacant; 1869, 41-42, 
Schuyler Colfax, Ind. ; 1873, 43, Henry Wilson, Mass. 

The House of Representatives is composed of member;* 
chosen every second year by the people of the several States. 
and are apportioned according to their respective population. 



HOUSE OF llEPRESENTATIYES. 121 

Kepresentation, 292 members, 10 delegates, viz : Alabama, 
8 ; Arkansas, 4 ; California, 4 ; Connecticut 4 ; Delaware, 1 ; 
Florida, 2 ; Georgia, 9 ; Illinois, 19 ; Indiana, 13 ; Iowa, 9 ; 
Kansas, 3 ; Kentucky 10 ; Louisiana, 6 ; Maine, 5 ; Maryland, 
6 ; Massachusetts, 11 ; Micliigan, 9 ; Minnesota, 3 ; Mississip- 
pi, 6; Missouri, 13; JSTebraska, 1; ISevada, 1; Xew Hamp- 
shire 3; ISTew Jersey, 7; New York, 33; North Carolina, 8; 
Ohio, 20; Oregon, 1; Penns3dvania, 27; Rliode Island, 2; 
South Carolina, o; Tennessee, 10; Texas, 6; Vermont, 3; 
Virginia, 9 ; AYest Virginia, 3 ; Wisconsin, 8 ; and one dele- 
gate from each of the Territories of Arizona, Colorada. Dako- 
ta, District of Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Xew Mexico, Utah, 
Washington, and Wyoming. Delegates maj' propose mea- 
sures relating to their own Territory, but have no ^■ote. 

Speakers of the House of Eej>resentatives. — 1789, 1st Con- 
gress, F. A, Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1791, 2, Jonathan Trum- 
bull, Conn. ; 1793, 3, F.^A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1795, 4-5, 
Jonathan Davton, N. J. ; 1799, 6, Theodore Sedgwick, Mass. ; 
1801, 7-9, ]S"athaniel Macon, N". C. ; 1807, 10-il, Joseph B. 
Varnum, Mass.; 1811, 12-13, Henrv Clav, Kv. ; 1813, 13, 
Langdon Cheves, S. C. ; 1815, 14-lG, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1819. 
16, John W. Taylor, N. Y. ; 1821, 17, Philip B. Barboui-, Va. ; 
1823, 18, Henrv Clav, Ky. ; 1825, 19, John W. Tavlor, N". 
Y.; 1827, 20-23, Andrew Stevenson, Va.; 1835, 24, John 
Bell., Tenn. ; 1837, 25-26, James K. Polk, Tenn. ; 1841, 27, 
R. M. T. Hunter, Va. ; 27, John White, Kv. ; 1843, 28, John 
W. Jones, Va. ; 1845, 29, J. W. Davis, Ind. ; 1847, 30, R. C. 
Winthrop, Mass. ; 1849, 31, Howell Cobb, Ga, ; 1851, 32-33, 
Linn Bovd, Ky. ; 1855, 34, N. P. Banks, Mass. ; 1857, 35 
James L. Orr, S. C. ; 1859, 36, W. Pennington, N. J. ; 1861, 
37, Galusha A. Grow, Penn. ; 1863, 38-40,"Schuyler Colfax, 
Ind. ; 1869, 41-43, J. G. Blaine, Me. 



122 president's house. 

PRESIDENT'S HOUSE. 

The official residence of the President of the United States 
of America stands o« the W. plateau of the city, IJ m. from 
the Capitol. In tlie earl 3^ official plans and documents it is 
designated the Fresidenfs House, but has been since styled 
the Executive Mansion^ and popularly the '•'•White House.'''' 
The Fcnnsylvania-av. street cars pass in front. 

Grounds. — The edifice is situated near the IST. limit of Ees- 
ervation No. 1, known as the President's Grounds, revised 
measurement, SOf a. The private grounds consist of about 
20 a. On the E., about 450 ft. distant, is the Treasury De- 
partment, and on the W. are the Departments of State, War, 
and Navy. Between these buildings and the President's 
House is Execvt*ve av. In front a broad av., from loth to 17th 
sts. W., separates the N. Park from Lafayette Square. Two 
gatewa3^«, connected by a semi-circular drive and footwalk, 
lead to the N. portico. This portion of the grounds is laid out 
in walks and partcj-res, with a fountain in the centre. The 
grounds S. are divided by the semi-circular extension of Ex- 
ecutive av. That part within the enclosure is p7ivate, and is 
adorned with lawns, walks, trees, flowers, and a fountain. On 
every Saturday afternoon during the summer the Marine Band 
plays in these grounds. To the SW. are the President's Sta- 
bles. The broad avenue running S. connects with the drive 
on the Mall. 

The Building.— The President's House (E. Boom open to 
visitors every day., except Sunday., from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m.) 
built of freestone painted white, is 170 ft. long by 86 ft. wide, 
two stories high, broken by pilasters of the order, and crowned 
with a balustrade. On the N. is a grand portico^ supported 
on 8 Ionic columns, with corresponding pilasters in the rear, 
affording a shelter for carriages and pedestrians. The S. front 
is adorned with a lofty semi-circular colonnade of 6 columns, 
of the same style as the N., resting on a rustic basement, and 
reached by 2 flights of steps. On the AV. are the Conservato- 
ries. The general stjde is a modification of the residence of 
the Duke of Lienster, Dublin. The main door on the N. 
opens into a spacious vestibule or entrance hall, 40 ft. front by 
50 ft. deep. A sash screen divides the entrance hall into two 
unequal parts, The entrance hall is frescoed overhead. The 
medallions on either side of the beautiful crystal chandelier 
are canvas, by Brumidi. On the walls, within the screen, are 
portraits of Presidents John Adams, VanBuren, Tyler, Polk^ 
Fillmore, and Pierce, by Healy, purchased under act of 1857^ 



124 president's house. 

The Washington is by Stuart. Duriii2^ the invasion of the 
British one of tlie colored servants of President Madison cut 
tliis picture from the frame, and in the flight of the Presi- 
dent's hoaseliold carried it to Tennallj^town, tlius saving it 
from destruction. The portrait of Lincoln, hy Cogswell, 
was purchased in 1869. The small door on the r. opens into 
the Waiting Koom, and the corresponding door on the 1. 
into a passage at the foot of the public stairway to the Ante 
Eoom. This passage is also used for the Marine Band, wlien 
performing at receptions. Across the passage is the East^ 
originally designed for the Banqueting Room^ and still so 
used since 1837 — a beautiful apartment, 80 ft. by 40 ft., and 
22 ft. high. The style of decoration is pure Greek, done in 
1873. The ceiling is divided into three panels, the centre 
varied in pattern, and all painted in oil. The Avails are 
raised paper, gilded, and painted a drab gray. The wood- 
Avork throughout, including dado, columns, pilasters, gir- 
ders, cornice, and carved mantel-pieces, are in white and 
gold. There are four mirrors on the side Avails, and tAvo at 
either end. The furniture and hangings of the AvindoAvs are 
in keeping. The rest of the first floor is private . 

The centre door Avithin the screen opens into the Oval^ or 
Blue-Room, 40 by 30 ft., a brilliant apartment, beautifully 
finished in blue and gold. The chandelier is crystal, fltted 
with a reflector. On the mantel are a pair of French Abases 
of superior design and workmanship. In this room the Pres- 
ident receives diplomatic ministers accredited to the United 
States and presented for the first time. The President and 
wife also receh'e the people here on public occasions. 

On tlioE., through a door, is the Green Room^ opening into 
E. Room, and on the VV. the Red Room, opening into the 
State Dining Room., 40 by 30 ft., Avith a dining table for 36 
<30vers, and suitable table ornaments. The Green and Red 
Rooms are 30 by 20 ft., and tastefully furnished. The Red 
Room is also the family parlor. On the mantel-piece is a fine 
gilt clock and pair of French vases, one Avlth a representa- 
tion of the residence of Franklin at Passy, and the other 
showing the environs of Passy. At the W.'^end of the corri- 
dor are the Billiard Room and large Conservatory. In the 
ISTAV. corner, across the corridor, are the private dining room, 
butler's i)antry, and prh^ate stairs. 

On the second Jloor, the E. part of the building is occu- 
pied by the Executive Office and Ante Room, the latter reached 
by the public staircase through the door on the r. The Pres- 
idenVs Office, or Cabinet Room, Is a fine apartment on the S. 
side, opposite the S. door of the passage, at the head of the 
public stairAA'ay, and looks out upon the S. portico. Adjoin- 



PRESIDE^T'S HOUSE. 125 

ing is the libraiy, used also as a family sitting room, and en- 
tered by a private door. The private portions of the second 
floor are on the W. side, shut off from the E., and consist of 
seven sleeping apartments. 

In the basement are the servants' quarters, kitchens, store- 
rooms, and vaults for fuel. 

For formalities and receptions^ see General Information — 
Etiquette. 




president's house — SOUTH FRONT. 



History —The President's House, or " Palace," so styled in the earlier doc- 
uments, was the first of the public buildings erected. On March 14, 1792, the Com- 
missioners of the city advertised for plans for a President's House and Capitol. On 
July 16, 1792, these were examined at Georgetown. The first premium of S500 ^33 
awarded to James Hoban, of Charleston, S. C, for the plan of a President's House, 
On Oct. 13, 1792, the Commissioners, accompanied by the Freemasons, architects, 
and the inhabitants of Washington and Georgetown, marched in procession to the 
site selected for the President's House, and there, with appropriate and solemn 
ceremonies, laid the corner-stone of that structure. 

The work was conducted under the direction of Mr. Hoban, the architect, and 
was prosecuted under the same difficulties which surrounded the Capitol. Mr. 
W^eld, an English traveler, writing in 179S, alludes to the building as the finest in 
the country, and much extolled by the people ; stating that persons found fault with 
it as being too large and loo splendid for the residence of any person in a republican 
country ; and, to use his own words, '•'■ certainly it is a ridiculous habitation for a 
man who receives a salary that amounts to no more than £5,625 per annum, and 
in a country where the expenses of living are far greater than they are even in 
London." 

The first President to occupy the building was John Adams, who took possession 
in Nov., 1800, after the removal of the public offices to the permanent Seat of Gov- 
ernment. Previous to that time the Executive of the United States was without a 
home owned by the nation. In New York and Philadelphia rented houses were 
occupied. The building up to 1814 had cost $jj 5,207. 

The President's House was destroyed by the British in 1814. After the evacua- 
tion the President occupied a fine residence on the corner of New York av. and l8th 



126 



PRESIDENT S HOUSE. 



•St. NVV., known as the " Octagon," and now used by the hydrographic office of the 
Navy Department. In 1815 Congress authorized the restoration of the Prestdenfs 
House, which was done by Hoban, the original architect. It was net agtta ready, 
iowever, till after 1S18 In 1823 the S. portico, in 1S26 the East Room, and in 
1829 the ?s. portico were finished. Since that time the interior of the st.ructi:re has 
been subject to frequent renovations and repairs. It is entirely unsuitable, how- 
ever, for the purposes to which it is now r.pplieJ : executive offices and private res- 
idence. Congress has new under consideration a proposition to erect a suitable and 
exclusively private mansion in the suburbs of the capital for the residence of the 
President's household, and the conversion of the present building into execu- 
tive offices. The total appropriations for the erection and maintenance of the Pres- 
ident's House from 1800 to date amounts to ^1,700,000. 




THE president's HOUSE, 1840, — (fi'om an old print.) 

Presidents of the United States.— 1, George Washington, 
Va., 1789-1797 ; 2, John Adams, Mass., 1797-1801 ; 3, Thomas 
Jefferson, Ya., 1801-1809 ; 4, James Madison, Va., 1809-1817 ; 
5, James Monroe, Va., 1817-1825; 6, John Quincy Adams, 
Mass., 1825-1829; 7, Andrew Jackson, Tenn., 1829-1837; 
8, Martin Van Buren, N". Y., 1837-1811 ; 9, William Henry 
Harrison, Ohio, 1841, 1 mo.; 10, John Tjder, Va., 1841- 
1845; 11, James K. Polk, Tenn., 1845-1849; 12, Zachary 
Taylor, La., 1849-1850; 13, Millard Fillmore, N". Y., 1850- 
1853; 14, Franklin Pierce, N". H., 1853-1857; 15, James 
Buchanan, Penn., 1857-1861; 16, Abraham Lincoln, 111., 
1861-1865; 17, Andrew Johnson, Tenn., 1865-1869; 18, 
Ulysses S. Grant, 111., 1869-187-. 



president's house. 127 

The Executive. — The executive power^ under the Constitu- 
tion of tlie United States, is vested in a President elected for 
4 years, and a Vice President chosen for the same term. The 
President is chosen by electors in each State, equal to the 
whole number of Senators and Representatives of such State. 
The electors are voted for hj the people of the State. Xo per- 
son except a natural-born citizen of the United States, having 
attained to the age of 35 years, is eligible to the office. The 
Vice President, who is elected in the same manner, succeeds 
in event of the removal, death, resignation, or incapacity of 
the President. The third in the line of succession is fixed by 
Congress. The executive has no powers except in conjunc- 
tion with tlie legislative branch. The inauguration of a 
President of the United States takes place on the 4th day of 
March after his election ; or if the regular day comes on Sun- 
day, then the day following. jSTo formal ceremony is required, 
save to take the oatli presci'ibsd by the Constitution. Usage 
has imposed upon the Chief Justice of the United States the 
solemn duty of administering the oath. Thomas Jefterson 
was the first President inaugurated in Washington. The first 
inaugural address delivered oitside the Senate Chamber was 
by President Monroe. Previous to the adoption of the Con- 
stitution the executive power was vested in Congress. 

On March 10, 1873, the Senate Committee on Privileges 
and Elections were instructed to report on the best mode of 
electing the President and Vice President, and providing a 
tribunal to decide contested questions connected therewith. 



128 DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 



depart:mext of state. 

The Department of State, {open daily from 9J a. m. to 2^p. 
m., except Thursdays^ devoted exclasioely to the diplomatic 
corps, and Saturdays, during sessions of Congress^ to mem- 
bers,) in ISToveraber, 1866, was removed from" the old jSTE. 
executive building, which was taken down to make room for 
the ]Nr. wing of the Treasury Department, to a building owned 
by the Washington Orphan Asylum, at the SE. corner of S 
and 14th sts. S'W. It may be reached by street cars from 
N'ew York av., opposite tlie ]^E. corner of the Treasury De- 
partment. 

In the department are the originals of all the laws of the 
United States and the archives relating to the diplomatic in- 
tercourse with foreign nations, including treaties, from the 
foundation of the Government. There are also other docu- 
ments of historic value, principally the original drafts of the 
old Revolution documents and the Federal Constitution, 
Washington'^ s Commission as Commander-in-Chief of the 
American troops during the Revolution, and the Andre pa- 
pers. The day before the occupation of the city by the Brit- 
ish, John Grraham, Stephen Pleasanton, and Josiah King, 
clerks in the department, carried tliese, with many other 
valuable documents, to a place of safety across the Potomac. 
The treaties and other records are preserved in the room of 
the Keeper of the Rolls. Until 1873 the more interesting trea- 
ties were shown to the public, but the valuable seals of some 
of them having been stolen by a subordinate of the depart- 
ment, they have since been placed away for greater security. 

State, War, and Navy Department — On the W. of the 
President's House, on 17th st., S. of the present iSTavy De- 
partment, is now being erected the S. Wing of a magnificent 
structure, when completed to be occupied by the State, W^r, 
and ITavy Departments. The building was designed by A. 
B. MuUett, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Depart- 
ment, and was commenced in 1871, nnder authority of an 
act of Congress passed in March of that year. The spacious 
edifice will measure 253 ft. from E. to W. by 471 ft. from 
N. to S., or, including projections of pavilions and steps, 
342 ft. by 567 ft. The greatest height, from the terrace 
level over all, will be 128 ft. The four fapades will be of 
equal importance, and their masses are appropriately and 
harmoniously broken by pavilions and projecting porticos. 
The basement will be 2 stories high, over which, in the centre 
pavilions of the ]^. and S. fronts, will be 4 stories and 1 in 



DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 



129 



the roof, and in the E. and W. centre pavilions 5 stories and 
1 in the roof. The order is the Roman Doric, carefully and 
orio:inally treated. All superfluity of ornamentation Avill be 
avoided. The whole will be covered with a Mansard roof, 
wholly constructed of iron and covered with slate ; its detail 




STATE, WAR, AND NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

will be very rich and graceful and the sky-line very pleasing. 
The wliole construction will be absolutely fire-proof — floors 
of iron and bi-ick and all interior finish of iron. There will 
h2 four private entrances for carriages : 2 each in the E. and 
W. elevations, passing through the building into the interior 
courts. Tiie stone used is granite; that "of the basement 
coming from the coast of Maine,, and the superstructure from 
Riclimond, Va. The largest stones are those used for the 
platforms of the porticos, and weighing 20 tons each. The 
building will enclose two hollow squares, a wing connecting 
the two sides forming the separation, thus allowing a direct 
light and ventilation for every room in the building. The 
plan is the same size as that of the Treasury, and occupies 
the same relative position to the President's House on the 
\Y. The building will have about 150 rooms, some very 
large and capable of subdivision. Will cost about $5,000,000. 
Secretaries of State. — 1789, Thomas Jeflerson, Ya. ; 1794, 
Edmund Randolph. Va. ; 1795, Timothy Pickering, Mass. ; 
1800, John Marshall, Va. ; 1801, James Madison, Va. ; 1809. 
Robert Smith, Md. ; 1811, James Monroe, Va. ; 1817, John 
Q. Adams, Mass. ; 1825, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1829, Martin Van 



130 DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

Buren, N". Y . ; 1831, Edward Livingston, La. ; 1833, Louis 
McLane, Del. : 1834, John Forsyth, Ga. ; 1841, Daniel Web- 
ster, Mass.; 1843, Hugh S. Legare, S. C. ; 1843, A. P. Up- 
shur, Va. ; 1844, John IS'elson, Md. ; 1844, J. C. Calhoun, S. 
C; 1845, James Buchanan, Penn. ; 1849, J. M. Clayton, 
Del. ; 1850, Daniel Webster, Mass. ; 1852, Edward Everett, 
Mass. ; 1853, W. L. Marcy, IST. Y. ; 1857, Lewis Cass, Mich.; 
1860, Jer. S. Black, Penn. ; 1861, W. H. Seward, i^. Y. ; 
1869, E. B. Washburne, Dl. ; 1869, Hamilton Fish, N. Y. 

History. — Before the adoption of the Constitution of the 
United States the "Department of Foreign Affairs'' was 
under the direction of an officer styled "Secretary to the 
United States of America for the Department of Foreign 
Affairs," who was required to "reside where Congress or a 
committee of the States should sit," and held his office dur- 
ing the pleasure of Congress. On July 27, 1789, after the 
adoption of the Constitution, the office was created an execu- 
tive department, to be known as the Department of Foreign 
Affairs, and the head as the "Secretary for the Department 
of Foreign Affair?." On September 15, 1789, the name was 
changed to Department of State, and the chief officer desig- 
nated Secretary of State. The Secretary is ex officio a mem- 
ber of the Cabinet of the President of the United States, and 
carries out the instructions of the President, "agreeable 
to the Constitution," in all matters relating to diplomatic 
intercourse with foreign nations. Under this general pro- 
vision he is speciall}^ charged with the negotiation of all 
treaties with foreign Powers, and conducts all official corre- 
spondence with the diplomatic representatives of foreign 
governments resident in the United States, and with the 
diplomatic officers and consuls of the United States abroad, 
and grants passports to citizens of the United States leaving 
the country. He is the custodian of the seal of the United 
States, being governed in its use by the orders of the Presi- 
dent. He also prepares and attests the commissions granted 
to all officers confirmed by the Senate, and superintends the 
publication of all acts and resolutions of Congress, and for- 
eign and Indian treaties, and preserves the originals of the 
same. 

The organization of the Department of State consists of a 
chief clerk, first and second diplomatic, first and second con- 
sular, law, accounts, statistical, passport and pardons, and 
Conninssioner's bureaus. There is also a translator. The 
domestic records comprise the miscellaneous correspondence 
not connected with the diplomatic and consular service- 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 131 



TKEASURY DEPARTMENT. 

The Treasury Department {open to the public daily^ except 
Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m.) lies E. of the President's 
House, on the line of loth St., and may be reached from the 
E. or W. by the Pennsylvania-av. line of street cars. 

Description of the Building —The general plan of the 
building measures 468 ft. from N". to S.. and 264 ft. from E. 
to W., or, inclusive of porticos and steps, 582 ft. by 300 ft. 
The order is pure Grecian Ionic, the columns and pilasters 
running through three stories, above w^hich is an attic, and 
below two stories in a basement, the lower one of rustic 
work. The sky-line of the entire building is sm-mounted by 
a stone balustrade. The building has four fronts. The W., 
which faces the city, consists of a colonnade 336 ft. long and 
30 Ionic columns, flanked on either side by a recessed portico. 
The colonnade and corresponding portion are of Virginia 
freestone. 

The rest of the entire structure is granite, from Dix island, 
on the coast of Maine. The E. front, facing the President's 
House, is broken by a grand central portico, consisting of 8 
monolithic pillars front, and 2 in the recess in the centre, 
and the same in the recesses on either side. This portico is 
reached by a broad flight of steps. At either end, on the same 
line, are two small porticos, corresponding witli those on the 
W. side. The IST. and S. fronts are the same, consisting of a 
central portico with 8 columns front, and 2 in the recess. 
Steps descend to a broad tessellated platform, bounded on 
either side by a balustrade. The platform on the IST. front is 
below the level of the avenue. A beautiful fountain adds to 
the attractions of this front. On tlie S. the same platform 
stands a few feet above the level, which gives a very impos- 
ing effect. The shafts of all the columns in the extension 
are monolithic, 31^ ft. high, 4 ft. in diameter, and weigh 33 
tons. The pilasters are also single blocks of the same heiglit, 
and weigh 6 tons. Tiie cap-stones of the blockings, against 
which the steps abut, measure each 18 ft.Xl7 ft.x20 in., and 
weigh 43 tons. The sills, piers, and cornice are of very fine 
design and workmanship. On the E., N., and S., on either 
side of the steps and platforms, are beautiful parterres, in 
summer filled Avith flowers and ornamental shrubs. The 
building has 4 principal entrances on a line with the order, 
and 3 in the basement on the AY. front. The interior arrange- 
ment of the plan consists of 2 hollow squares, separated by a 
wing 57 ft. wide, and, exclusive of the main building, 120 ft. 



132 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 



deep, projecting W. These squares measure each 138 ft. by 
123 ft. The old portion of the present building, erected part- 
ly on the same site after the destruction of its predecessor, 
the S. E. executive building, in March, 1833, was designed 
by Robert Mills, commenced in 1836, and ready for occupan- 
cy in 1841. It was of a T shape, the colonnade fronting E., 
and a wing projecting W. The colonnade is after tlie style of 
the Temple of Minerva Pallas at Athens. In order to secure 
a uniformity of fronts, it is proposed to take down the colon- 
nade on the W. and replace it with a fagade corresponding 
with that on the E. This would necessitate the acquisition 
of a portion of the square opposite. In 1855 the extension 
was designed by Walter, and begun by Young, continued 
by Rogers, and finished by Mullett. The W. entrance is 
reached by a double flight of steps, into a vestibule formed 
of 6 Doric columns, supporting groined arches. In tlie cen- 
tre is the main corridor, dividing the building into two parts, 
and leading to the E. vestibule and entrance. On the r. and 




TRF,\SUUY DEPARTMENT. 

1. are corridors to the wings. A double stairway to the base- 
ment and the upper stories springs from this vestibule. There 
are also stairways in each angle and opposite the E. entrance. 
The vestibules of the K. and W. entrances are chastelj' de- 
signed, supported on iron columns. The corridors of the 
extension are broken by iron pilasters, and the capitals, cor- 
nice, and ceilings are ornamented Avith emblematic designs. 
The entrance on the S. front opens directly into the S. corri- 
dor. The building contains 195 rooms, in addition to those in 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 133 

the sub-basement devoted to heating apparatus, shops, and 
store-rooms, and the attic, occupied bv tlie Bureau of Engrav- 
ing- and Printing. Cost, $6, 000,000." 

The Secretarifs room is on tlie second floor, W. coi-ridor, a 
little S. of the central corridor, name over the door. The ob- 
jects of special interest in the building are tlie Cash Room and 
the Vaults. The business entrance to the Cash Room is on the 
first floor, IS", corridor, readied from the W. door, tin-ning to 
the r., or from the vestibule of the N". entrance. Tlie public 
should view tlie room from the balcony, entered by a door on 
the S. side of the iS". corridor on the second floor. The par- 
ticular features of the room are the walls, which are of highly 
polished marbles of various varieties. List of marbles: Low- 
er Story — stylobate, base, black, Vermont ; mouldings., 
Bardlglio, Italian : stiles., dove, Vermont ; panels., Sienna, 
Italian; dies, Tennessee. Above stylobate, ^^zYa^fer* 
and panel beads., white veined ; stiles., Sienna. Italian ; panels, 
Bardiglio, Italian ; cornice, white-veined. Italian. Upper 
Story — stylobate same as lower. Above stylobate as in 
lower story, except the panels, which are Sarrangolum mar- 
ble from the Pyrenees. 

The vaults, in which the current funds of the Government 
are kept, may be seen on a written permit from the Treasurer 
of the United States, whose office is in the NE. angle of the 
building, first fioor. This permit should be delivered to the 
Cashier, who occupies the room entered by the first door W. 
of the entrance to the General Cash Room. The vaults are 
of steel and chilled iron, about 20 by 15 ft. Another of the 
same capacity is overhead. The amount usually in the vault 
is about $1 0,000,000, including gold coin. The money is kept 
in packages or bags in the wooden cases. Xear the door of the 
vault is an elevator, used for conveying money between the 
vaults above and the express ofiice immediately below. As 
much as $5,000,000 have been shipped to the different sub- 
treasuries in a single day. The vault in which the national 
bank bonds are kept is on the same floor, near by. It may be 
seen in the same manner as that just mentioned, the permit 
being delivered to the Chief of the Division of National 
Banks, whose office is in the NW. angle of the building. In 
the basement are two reserve vaults, not open to visitors at all. 

On the r. side of the W. corridor, after leaving the Cash 
Room, the operation of counting the currency may be seen 
through any of the doorways. None but employees are per- 
mitted to enter. The counting is done entirely by lady 
clerks. The facility and accuracy with which their nimble 
fingers accomplish the work are not only marvelous, but 
extremely creditable to their skill. It may also be said, with 



134 TREASURY DEPARTMENT* 

respect to this class of employees of the Government, that 
they possess many qualiticatlons of a very superior character. 

In the rooms of the Redemption Division, in the N. corri- 
dor of the basement, tlie currency unfit for circulation, and 
received from all parts of the country, is counted and can- 
celled previous to being burned. The routine observed from 
the receipt of the money from the express company till its 
final destruction is extremely interesting. Tlie cancelling is 
done by a machine run by means of a turbine wheel. In or- 
der to witness the operation, it will be necessary to obtain a 
permit from the Treasurer, the same as for a visit to the vaults. 

The Bureaus of the Treasury Department proper are Ap- 
pointment, Warrant, Independent Treasurj^, Customs, Kev- 
enue Marine, ISTavigation, Internal Kevenue, Stationery, 
Captured and Abandoned Property, Special Agent, Super- 
vising Architect, Marine Hospital, Supervising Inspector 
General of Steamboats, Statistics, Mint, Mail Records and 
Files, Loans, Currencj^ Engraving and Printing, Light- 
House Board, Comptrollers, Commissioner of Customs, 
Auditors, Treasurer's Office, Register's Office, Comptroller 
of the Currency, and Commissioner of Internal Revenue. 
The service outside of tlie Department consists of the Inde- 
pendent Treasury, Mints, Assay Offices, Depositories, Cus- 
toms, Internal Revenue, Ijife-saving Station, Light House, 
Marine Hospital, Revenue Marine, Special Agents and Com- 
missioners, Steamboat Inspection, and Coast Survey. 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is in the attic, at 
the head of the'l. flight of steps leading up from the W. en- 
trance. Visitors are admitted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 
fl'om 9.30 to 10.30 a. m., by order of the Secretary of the 
Treasury, in the discretion of the Superintendent of the 
Bureau. In these rooms are presses and other machin- 
ery for the final printing on United States bonds and other 
securities and notes, fractional currency, and internal reve- 
nue stamps. Tlie preliminary printing, as the backs, is done 
outside. The engraving for the final printing is also done in 
the bureau. About 500 men and women are employed. A 
100-horse-power engine runs the machinery. The paper is 
counted as issued, and no employee is permitted to leave till 
all the sheets are returned to the officer in charge of their 
custody. 

Photograph Office. — Opposite the S. entrance is the build- 
ing occupied by the Photographer of the Treasury Depart- 
ment. Here/ac similes of accounts for verification by agents 
sent thronghout the country or abroad, and plans and eleva- 
tions of public buildings, are made by means of photography. 
This work is carried on on a large scale. 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 135 

Coast Survey. — This important office occupies a private 
building', erected, liovvever, for its use, in 1871, on IS'ew Jer- 
sey av., SE. of the Capitol, between B and C sts., W. side. 
The object of the service is tlie sarvey of the coasts of tlie 
United States on tide water. Its operations commenced in 
1807, but its permanent organization was not effected till 1833. 
In the building are preserved tlie original records and charts, 
topographical and hydrographic, from the beginning. The 
Standards of Weights and Measures are also kept here, and 
are under the control of the Superintendent of the Coast Sur- 
vey. From these the standards are furnished to tlie States. 
The balance for heavy weights is a ffne specimen of workman- 
ship, and took the premium at the World's Fair at London. 
There is also a set of French weights and measures, presented 
to the United States. These interesting objects are not on 
general exhibition. Gentlemen of science, or others having 
a special purpose in view, may see them on application to the 
Superintendent. 

Secretaries of the Treasury. — 1789, Alexander Hamilton, 
N. Y.; 179o, Oliver Wolcott,' Jr., Conn.; 1801, Samuel Dex- 
ter, Mass. ; 1801, Albert Gallatin, Penn. ; 1814, G. W. Camp- 
bell, Tenn. ; 1814, A. J. Dallas, Penn. ; 1816, ^Y. H. Craw- 
ford, Ga. ; 1825, Eichard Rush, Penn.; 1829, S. D. Ingham, 
Penn. ; 1831, Louis McLane, Del. ; 1833, W. J. Duane, Penn.; 
1833, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1834, Levi Woodbury, N. H. ; 
1841, Thomas Ewing, Ohio ; 1841, W. Forward, Penn. ; 1843, 
J. C. Spencer, X. Y. ; 1844, G. M. Bibb, Ky. ; 1845, R. J. 
Walker, Miss.; 1849, W. M. Meredith, Penn.; 1850, Thomas 
Corwin, Ohio ; 1853, James Guthrie, Ky. ; 1857, Howell Cobb, 
Ga. ; 18G0, P. F. Thomas, Md. ; 1861, J. A. Dix, N. Y. ; 1861, 
S. P. Chase, Ohio; 18G4, W. P. Fessenden, Me.; 1865, H. 
McCulloch, Ind. ; 1869, G. S. Boutwell, Mass. ; 1873, AV. A. 
Richardson, Mass.; 1874, B. H. Bristow, Ky. 

The '"'Department of the Treasury " was organized under 
act of Congress of September 2, 1789, with a Secretary of the 
Treasury as the chief officer, who is also ex officio a member 
of the President's Cabinet. It was the dutj^of the Secretary 
to manage the business pertaining to the revenue and the 
support of the public credit, to make estimates of revenues 
and expenditures, to collect the revenue, to decide the form 
of keeping and stating accounts and making returns, to grant 
warrants for moneys authorized by law, to execute such ser- 
vices relative to the sale of public lands as were required of 
him by law, to communicate information to Congress, and 
generally to perform all services relative to the finances. In 
1800 the Secretary was required to submit, at the commence- 



136 WAR DEPARTMENT. 

ment of every session, a report on the finances of the Gov- 
ernment, with estimates of revenue and expenditures. Under 
the act of 1789 it was the duty of the Treasurer of the United 
States to receive and keep the moneys of the United States 
and to disburse the same upon warrants drawn by the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, countersigned by the Comptroller, and 
recorded by the Kegister. 



WAK DEPARTMENT. 

The War Department {open every day^ Sunday excepted^ 
from 9 a. m. to 3 jp. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and 
fronts on Pennsylvania av. Iw former days it was known as 
the JSTW. Executive Building. It will be taken down to give 
place to the new department now being erected. The Sec- 
retary's office is at the E. end of the corridor on the second 
floor. Here may be seen a gallery of portraits of the Secre- 
taries of War, by various artists, among wliom are Sully, 
Healy,Weir, Huntingdon, Brackett, Young, Ulke, and Thorpe. 
Portrait of Calhoun is an original, by Sully, and is very superior. 
It was taken from sittings. The rest are copies. The Head- 
quarters of the General erf the A rmy, removed to St. Louis 1874, 




WAR DEPARTMENT. 



^^e]•e on the v., inside of the E. entrance. There are many 
objects of interest, including rare manuscripts, in tlie depart- 
ment ; but not in a condition to be seen. It is intended to 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 137 

set apart a room for their exhibition in tlie new building. The 
Arsenal and Medical and Ordnance Museums, the latter in 
Winder's building, will be found elsewhere. In rented build- 
ings are the Signal Office and Flag Room. The latter occux3ies 
the first floor of a small building Ko. 616 W. side of 17th st., 
' opposite the War Department, {ojyen from 9 a. in. to 3 2?. m. 
daily., except Sunday. In one room are the United States 
and State flags taken from the national forces and recovered 
upon the capture of Richmond. In the back room are the 
captured Confederate flags. Thej^ represent every State. 
Some are associated with interesting historic incidents, others 
are curious and novel. 

Signal Office. — {Open every day., except Sunday^ from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) The Chief Signal Offic3r of the Army, under 
whose direction the national weather observations are made, 
occupies two contiguous brick buildings on the ^. side of Gi- 
st., W. of the War Department. The stranger in the city, 
upon reaching the head of the street, cannot fail to notice 
them by a variety of anemometers of divers sizes, and an- 
emoscopes or vanes projecting above the roof. A number 
of converging electric wires may be seen entering tlie build- 
ing, some communicating with self-registering instruments 
or' connecting the telegraphic department of the office with 
the diff'erent stations in all parts of the country through the 
lines of the general telegraphic companies. 

Tlie entrance for visitors is by the door ISTo. 1719. Tney 
ascend to the instrument room in the fourth story. Tiie 
chief interest centres in the Instrument Room., Avhere may be 
examined the apparatus employed in the various meteoro- 
logical observations. Tliese instruments are of tlie most ap- 
proved patterns, including tlie barometer, to show the atmos- 
pheric pressure and to indicate the passage of storms ; the 
thermometer, mercurial and spirit, for indicating the tem- 
perature of the air ; the hygrometer, to show the humidity 
of the air; one maximum and one minimum thermometer, 
to indicate the highest and lowest temperature; the anem- 
ometer, for obtaining tlie velocity of the wind; the wind 
vane, or anemoscope,' for indicating the direction of the wind ; 
and the rain gauge, for noting the rain-fall. 

The roof of the Ivdilding is devoted to the instruments and 
apparatus requiring open exposure to the weather, such as 
rain-gauges, wind-vanes, and anemometers. A shelter also 
projects from a window on the IST., designed with special 
reference to tiie comparison of thermometers and other in- 
struments in an equal temperature. In addition to these 
instruments of common use, there is a complete set of self- 



138 WAR DEPARTMENT. 

recording and photographic meteorological instruments, ope- 
rated by means of clock-work and electric batteries. There 
are also two cases containing a "panorama of the clouds," 
illustrating the different kind of clouds, showing the trans- 
formation of each type of clouds into its derivative. It also 
shows meteoric effects, especially the localization of clouds 
about the crest of peaks or on the summits of loftier moun- 
tain ranges. There are also other instruments of general use, 
though not part of meterological science. Among these are 
a peVitagraph, for transferring and reducing isobarometric 
and isothermal curves from paper to zinc ; a self-registering 
instrument for showing the rise and fall of rivers, and a 
terrestrial globe. 

In addition to the report of the meteoric condition of the 
United States, tlie office also receives the heiglit of the vari- 
ous navigable rivers. The data thus collected is published 
throughout tlie country in the newspapers and at 4,491 post 
offices, in synopses and probabilities and weather maps. Caiv- 
tionary signals are displayed at sea and lalvc ports for the ben- 
efit of vessels. A line of telegraphic wires connects tlie life- 
saving stations, by means of which cautionary signals are dis- 
played along tlie coast, thus warning small craft in time to 
seek shelter on the approach of a storm. In 1873 home re- 
ports were received from 78 stations, from Maine to Texas, 
and from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; also from 11 stations 
in Canada and 3 in tlie West Indies. 

All ohservaUons are made synchronously at the different 
stations at the exact hours of 7.35 a. m., 4.3o.p. m., and 11.35 
p. m., Washington time. All reports are received and results 
distributed, except to post offices, over the lines of the prin- 
cipal telegraphic companies. 

The instruction of the army in military signaling and tele- 
graphy, and for supplying it with the necessary apparatus, 
previously conducted on an experimental basis, since 1870 
has been prosecuted with a degree of success which promises 
to materially simplify the difficulty of moving large bodies of 
troops or fleets of vessels, and to constitute an essential ele- 
ment of tactical operations, whether on the march or in bat- 
tle. Signal schools of instruction have been established. 

The successful and responsible organization of a military 
signal corps has led to a further extension of the service to a 
uniform coarse of instruction to apply to the army and navy 
and marines. 

On February 9, 1870, these satisfactory results in the orig- 
inal duty contemplated for the signal corps were supplement- 
ed by diverting the practiced skill of its officers and men into 
a still wider field of operations. 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 13^ 

To meet the additional dutj^ tlie labor of the Signal Bureau 
was distributed under two distinct heads. First, the Division 
of Signals Proper^ to embrace the system of military signals 
and telegraphy, and to liave charge of the instruction of offi- 
cers and men of any branch of the service designated for tliat 
duty. Second, the Division of Telegrams and Reports for the 
Benefit of Commerce, The organization of this new antl novel 
service, in accordance witli general orders, was immediately 
commenced by Col. Albert J. Myer, Brevet Brigadier General 
and Chief Signal Officer of the Army. 

The stations are divided into two classes: First, stations of 
observation and report, and to which all reports of observa- 
tions elsewhere made are forwarded. Second, stations of re- 
port alone, or those at which observations elsewhere made 
are reported. 

On N'ov. 1, 1870, the preliminary arrangements having been 
perfected at 7.35 a. m., the first systematized syncln-onous me- 
teoric reports ever taken in the United States were read from 
the instruments by the observer sergeants of the signal ser- 
vice at 24 stations, and placed upon the telegraphic wires for 
transmission. A further extension of the utility of tlie ser- 
vice was made in Oct., 1871, after a series of satisfactory ex- 
periments, by the display of cautionary signals at ports on the 
Atlantic and the Gulf coast and the northern lal^es. The 
sphere of usefulness of this important service is annually 
extended. 

Secretaries of TFar.— 1789, Henry Knox, Mass.; 1795,. 
Timothy Pickering, Mass. ; 1796, James McHenry, Md. ; 

1800, Samuel Dexter, Mass. ; 1801, Koger Griswold, Conn. ; 

1801, Henry Dearborn, Mass. ; 1809, William Eustis, Mass. ; 
1813, John Armstrong, N. Y. ; 1814, James Monroe, Va. ;. 
1815, W. H. Crawford,' Ga. ; 1817, J. C. Callioun, S. C; 1825, 
James Barbour, Va. ; 1828, P. B. Porter, N". Y. ; 1829, J. H. 
Eaton, Tenn. ; 1831, Lewis Cass, Mich. ; 1837, Joel R. Poin- 
sett, S. C. ; 1841, John Bell, Tenn. ; 1841, J. C. Spencer, N. 
Y. ; 1844, W. Wilkins, Penn. ; 1845, W. L. Marcy, IS". Y. ; 
1849, G. W. Crawford, Ga. ; 1850, Gen. Winfield Scott, ad 
in.^ Army; 1850, C. M. Conrad, La. ; 1853, Jefferson Davis, 
Miss.; 1857, J. B. Floyd, Va. ; 1860, J. Holt, Ky. ; 1861, 
Simon Cameron, Penn.; 1862, E. M. Stanton, Ohio; 1867,. 
Gen. U. S. Grant, ad in.^ Army ; 1868, Adj. Gen. L. Tliomas, 
ad in.. Army; 1868, J. M. Schofield, 111. ; 1869, J. A. Raw- 
lins, 111.; 1869, Gen. W.T. Sherman,^, t., Army; 1869, W. 
W. Belknap, lo. 

Prior to 1789, under an ordinance for ascertaining the pow- 
ers and duties of the Secretary of War, that officer was charged 



140 NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

with the direct management of the military affairs of Con- 
gress, required to report to Congress the condition of the 
army and military stores and supplies, and to keep returns ; 
to make all military estimates ; to direct the operations of 
troops in the service, subject to the orders of Congress or the 
committees of tlie States ; to appoint and remove at pleasure 
iill persons under him, baing responsible to Congress for their 
■conduct. The offlee was created an executive d3partm3nt by 
the act of Congress August 7, 1789, to be known as tlie De- 
partment of War, and the chief officer as Secretar}'- for the 
Department of War. He was required to execute the orders 
of the President of the United States, "agreeably to the 
Constitution," in all matters respecting militarj^or naval af- 
fairs, to the granting of lands to persons entitled to the same 
for military services rendered to the United States, and rela- 
tive to Indian affairs. September 29, 1789, the military es- 
tablishment of 1787 was adapted to the Constitution. The 
early powers of the Secretary of War, by subsequent enact- 
ment, have been restricted to the exercise, under the direc- 
tion of the President, of jurisdiction over the militarj'" service 
only. The Secretary of AVar is ex officio a member of the 
•Cabinet. 



NAVY DEPARTMENT. 



This department (oj9e?i every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and"^was for- 
merly designated tlie S W. Executive Building. This structure 
will shortly be taken down, to make space for the new depart- 
ment now being erected. The original building faced S. A 
wing erected in 1861 now projects instead. The Secretary'' s 
■office is at the S. end of the corridor on the second floor. The 
AdinlraVs office is at his residence, 1713 H st. ISTW. The Na- 
val Observatory^, Navy-yard, and Marine Barracks will be 
described under their appropriate heads. Tlie HydrograpJdc 
■office^ NE. corner of 18tli st. and New York av. NW., occu- 
pies a rented building called tlie "Octagon," the residence of 
the President of the United States till the restoration of the 
President's House after the occupation of the city in 1814. 
The Hj^drographic office was established in 1866, and is a 
branch of the Bureau of Navigation. Its objects are the col- 
lection of hydrographic information, preparation of sailing 
directions, the collection of charts, the engraving and print- 



NAVY DEPARTMENT. 141 

ing of new ones, and the revision of old ; also the care of all 
instruments except chronometers and compasses. 

Nautical Almanac Office — This branch of the Bureau of 
Navigation occupies a rented buildiuo;, No. 807 22d st. NW. 
Was started at Cambridge, Mass., uu'der an act of Cougress^ 
1849. In 186G it was removed to Washington. TIic object 
is tlie computation of astronomical tables for the use of the 
Naval Observatory and Navy. A set of tables is also printed 
for the merchant service, giving longitude of Washington and 
Greenwich. Under the act of 18oi) the meridian of the Na- 
val Observatory was adopted as the American meridian for 
astronomical and that of Greenwich for nautical purposes. 
The almanac is prepared three years in advance. There is a 
fine astronomical library connected with tlie offlc3. 

Secretaries of the Navy. — 1789, Henry Knox, Mass. ; 1794, 
Timothy Pickering, Penn.; 1796, James McHenry, Md. ; 1798,. 
Benjamin Stoddert, Md. ; 1802, Robert Smith, Md.; 1805, 
Jacob Crowninshield, Mass. ; 1809, Paul Hamilton, S. C. ; 
1813, William Jones, Penn.; 1814, B. W. Crowninshield, 
Mass. ; 1818, Smith Tliompson, N. Y. ; 1823, S. L. Southard,. 
N. J. ; 1829. John Branch, N. C. ; 1831, Levi Woodbury, N. 
H. ; 1834, Mahlon Dickerson, N. J. ; 1838, J. K. Paulding, N. 
Y.; 1841, G. E . Badger, N. C. ; 1841, A. P. Upshur, Va. ; 1844, 
T. W. Gilmer, Va. ; 1844, J. Y. Mason, Va. ; 1845, George 
Bancroft, Mass. ; 1846, John Y. Mason, Va. ; 1849, W. B. 
Preston, Va. ; 1850, W. A. Graham, N. C. ; 1852, J. P. Ken- 
ned}^ Md. ; 1853, J. C. Dobbin, N. C. ; 1857, Isaac Toucey, 
Conn. ; 1861 , Gideon Welles, Conn.; 1869, A.E. Borie, Penn.; 
1869, G. M. Robeson, N. J. 

The naval service, previously under the direction of the 
Secr-etary of War, in April, 1798, was assigned to an execu- 
tive department created for the purpose, and designated the 
Department of the Navy, the chief otiicer of which was to be 
called the Secretary of tlie Navy. His duties were to execute 
the orders of the President of the United States in all matters 
connected with the naval establishment of the United States. 
During tlie same year the INIarine Corps was organized, as an 
adjunct to the naval establishment. 

In 1862 the department was reorganized by the division of 
its duties into eight bureaus, viz. Ordnance, Equipment and 
Recruiting, Yards and Docks, Navigation, Medicine and Sur- 
gery, Provisions and Clothing, Steam Engineering, and Con- 
struction and Repair. 

The Secretary of the Navy is ex officio a member of the 
Cabinet of the President of the United States. 



142 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 



depart:me:n^t of the mrERioK. 

This important department {open every day^ except Suti- 
day. from 9 a. m. to dp. m.) occupies rooms on the N. cor- 
ridor, main floor, of the vast structure known as the Patent 
Office. The Secretarj^ of tlie Interior is charged with the 
administration of affairs relating to patents, pubUc lands, 
l^ensions, Indians, census, education, and the beneficiary 
asylums in the District of Columbia belonging to the Gov- 
ernment. He is invested witli the powers, prior to tlie act of 
1873, exercised by the Secretary of State over the Territories 
of the United States, and also has supervisory control over 
the architect of the Capitol. The oflice of the Secretary is 
on the N. corridor, near the IS'E. corner of the building. In 
the Secretary's oflice are photographs of the Secretaries of 
the Interior. In the Chief Cleric's room, adjoining on the 
E., are portraits of Thomas Ewing and Caleb B. Smith, for- 
mer Secretaries, by Stanley. 

For description of the building, see Patent Office. 

Indian Office. — There are frequently delegations of Indians 
at the IN'ational Capital, brought here in connection with 
negotiations or business under treaties. The councils are 
held in the oflice of tlie Secretary of the Interior or Commis- 
sioner, in the IST. corridor. On these occasions the red sons 
of the forest meet the representatives of the *•' Great Father," 
and negotiations are conducted in great form and ceremony, 
only lacking the wild surroundings of the savage country. 

Bureau of Education. — {Open every day^ except Sunday^ 
from 9 a. m. to dp. m.) — The Bureau of Education occupies 
a rented building on the NE. corner of G and 8th sts. ISTW., 
opposite the E. part of the IST. fapade of the Patent Oflice. 
There is a tine library of educational works, and other objects 
of interest in the building. 

The fathers of the Republic recognized education as among 
the leading elements of prosperity and success. It was not, 
however, till long after the Constitution was established that 
the Government gave the subject a national recognition. In 
response to the growing sentiment in favor of public educa- 
tion, in 1832 Congress passed an act giving, in connection 
with a division of the proceeds of land sales, 12 J per cent, to 
certain States for educational purposes. This was vetoed by 
Jackson. In 1837 Congress authorized the deposit with the 
diflferent States, in proportion to their representation, of mil- 
lions of the surplus funds in the Treasiuy for safe keeping 



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 143 

and repayment when required. The income of this in a 
large number of the States was set apart for school purposes. 
Subsequently the acts admitting Oregon and Minnesota and 
other new States added to the 16th the 36th section of land 
in each townsliip for school purposes. 

In 1862 followed the grants for colleges of agriculture and 
the mechanic arts. Taken in connection with previous acts of 
liberality for the same purpose, the total of land grants in the 
interest of education amounted to 78,576,794 acres. If ex- 
tended to the eleven Territories when admitted to the Union, 
the aggregate will reach the magnificent endowment of 
79,566,794 acres, or 124,323 square miles. This area of terri- 
tory is greater than that of the whole of the British Isles, and 
over lialf the area of Imperial Germany or France. Or, valued 
at the Government price of $1 25 per acre, makes a donation 
of $99,458,492 50. All the nations in Christendom put to- 
gether have not done so much for the education and future 
happiness of their people. The idea of using the public do- 
main for educational purposes is not modern. In 1823 it was 
a subject of inquiry in the House of Representatives, the 
proposition being to set apart a portion of this income to be 
distributed for the promotion of education in the several 
States. In 1824 a resolution was submitted in the same 
House to the effect that all money received from these sales 
ought to be appropriated exclusively for the support of com- 
mon schools and the construction of roads and canals. In 
1826 Mr. Dickinson in the Senate reported a similar resolu- 
tion, but without success. Out of the aid later afforded sprung 
the common-school system of the interior KW. 

On March 2, 1867, Congress created a Department of Edu- 
cation, for the purpose of collecting such statistics and facts 
as show the condition and progress of education in the several 
States and Territories, and of diffusing such information re- 
specting the organization and management of schools and 
school systems and methods of teaching as may aid the people 
of the United States in the establishment and maintenance 
of efficient schools, and of otherwisF. promoting the cause 
of education throughout the country. The management of 
the department wa"s intrusted to a Commissioner appointed 
bj'^ the President and confirmed by the Senate. 

The Commissioner was reqah-ed to report annually to Con- 
gress the results of his investigations and labors, together 
with a statement of such facts and recommendations as would 
in his judgment subserve the purposes for which the depart- 
ment was established. The next year Congress reduced the 
department to a bureau, to be called the ''Office of Educa- 
tion," under the directions of the Secretary of the Interior. 



144 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 

Survey of the Territories.— Office NW. corner of Pennsyl- 
vania av. and 11th st. NW., second floor, entrance outside, on 
11th St. {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 3 p. 
m.) Here will be found a complete and interesting collec- 
tion of photographs of the Avondei-s of the unknown West, by 
W. H. Jackson, and taken during- the various expeditions con- 
ducted under the command and scientific direction of Dr. F. 
V. Hayden and business management of Captain James Ste- 
venson, his associate. The collection includes the Yellow- 
stone region. Utah. Wyoming, and Colorado, and 1,000 neg- 
atives illustrative of Indians and Indian life. Also, sketches 
by W. H. Holmes, and maps by J. T. Gardner. The United 
States geological surveys of the Ten-itories, Dr. F. V. Hayden 
in cliarge, inaugurated in 1867, under the Department of the 
Interior, have been continued from year to year by annual 
appropriations, and have constituted not only a most inter- 
esting and valuable but important national undertaking. 
These surveys have covered Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, 
Kew Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. The Great 
Geyser basin and other wonders of the Yellowstone region, 
and the sublime mountain area of Colorado, were first brought 
within the range of geographical science by these expeditions. 
The publications of these surveys are received with satisfac- 
tion bv scientific men and societies in America and Europe, 
and embrace a vast amount of scientific material and prac- 
tical information fresh from the vast regions hitherto appro- 
priately termed the unknown West. 

Secretaries of the Interior. — 1849, Thomas Ewing, Ohio; 
1850, Thos. M. T. ;McKenna, Penna. ; 1850, A. H. H. Stuar, 
Va. ; 1853, Robei-t McClelland, Mich.; 1857, J. Thompson, 
Miss.; 1861, C. B. Smith, Ind. ; 1863, J. P. Usher, Ind. ; 
18G5, James Harlan, lo. ; 1866, O. H. Browning, Ills. ; 1869, 
J. D. Cox, Ohio ; 1871, Columbus Delano, Ohio. 

The act of Mar. 3, 1849, created a home department, to be 
called the Department of the Interior, the head of which was 
to be called the Secretary of the Interior, to be appohited by 
the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. This 
ofiicer was to hold b}^ the same tenure and receive the same 
salary as the secretaries of the other executive departments. 
The various branches of the public service under the admin- 
istration of the department have been given. The Secretary 
of the Interior is ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the 
President. 



PEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



ini 



tnd architecture, both ex- 
ceedingly interesting. 
The walls are hung with 
a'scries of about looplates, 
by Prof. Townend Glo- 
ver, illustrating the insects 
in the cabinet. 

21. Entomologist's 
Private Room. 

On the third fioor, E. 
wing, reached from .•\, 
plan of the second fioor, 
is the Botanical Museum. 
It is supplied with appro- 
priate cases, and contains 
200 natural orders and 
25,000 species of plants, a 
space being devoted to 
each order. The speci- 
mens are arranged on 
sheets and indexed. The 
first collection was trans- 
ferred from the Smithso- 
nian Institution, an 
comprised the specimens 
brought home by the 
Wilkes expedition. The 
specimens gathered by 
the various TJnited States 
exploring exprditions are 
all deposited here. The 
collection of plants of the 
United States is very com- 
plete. 

The rooms adjoinin 
are occupied by the Tax- 
idermists on the W. and 
Modelers on the S. The 
former has the preparation 
of birds for the museum, 
and their care. The latter 
makes models of fruits for 
the museum. 

Over the third floor, W. 
wing, reached from B, 
plan of the second floor, 
the rooms are used for 
clerks. 

Basement reached 

from B, first floor — con- 
tains Seed Rooms, in west- 
ern portion, and rest Fold- 
ing, Laborers^ and Engi- 
neers^ Rooms, and accom- 
modations for heating ap- 
paratus and fuel. The 
seed-packing department, 
where upwards of 60 per- 
sons are employed, is of 
great interest. 

1] 




]62 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

Plant Houses —On the \V. of the ilep;utmeiit building are 
the plant houses^ commenced in 1868 from designs by Wil- 
liam Saunders, Superintendent of Gardens and Grounds. 
The main structure is 320 ft. long and 30 ft. wide E. and W., 
with a wing 150 long projecting to the rear or S. of the centre 
of the main building. The centre pavilion is 60 ft. long, 32 
ft. wide, and 30 ft. high, and is devoted to palms and the 
larger tropical plants, such as bananas. The pavilions at 
the extremity of the wings are 30 ft. square, 26 ft. high, and 
are the orangery, and for other semi-tropical fruits. These 
terminal pavilions are joined to the centre by connecting 
ranges 100 ft. long, 2o ft. wide, and 17 ft. high, and are oc- 
cupied by the miscellaneous collection of plants of practical 
use, such as medical plants and those furnishing textile fibres, 
useful gums, sugars, and dyes. The S. projecting wing is 
the grapery, and contains a collection of foreign grapes. The 
roots are planted in borders on the outside, and the stems 
conducted into the grapery through apertures in the brick 
wall. The dark varieties are on the W. side, and the light 
on the E. There are 100 varieties in all. 

The plant houses are heated by means of hot water, circulated through 5,000 ft. 
of 4-in pipe, and supplied by two boilers. The boilers are arranged with a cut-ofF, 
so that they may be operated separately or together. 

These houses have foundation walls of red sandstone, with bluestone bases and 
caps. The doors and windows of the centre and wings are designed in moresque 
arches. Brackets uphold the cornice from which the cupola roof rises. The main 
entrance projects from the main building, and has three arched openings The 
frame of the structure is of iron and wood substantially built, and cost $25,000. 
The roof is covered with American glass of double thickness, and curved expressly 
for the purpose. 

Commissioners of Agriculture. — 1862, Isaac Newton, Penn.; 1867, John W. Stokes 
Pcnn., (acting;) 1867, Horace Capron, 111,; 1871, Frederick Watts, Penn. 

HistOry._UnderactJuly4,l836, Henry L.Ellsworth, Commissioner of Patents, 
gave attention to the distribution of rare grains, seeds, and plants, in the collection 
of which he was aided by the diplomatic and consular officers of the United States 
in foreign countries. In 1839 S>i, 000 ^^""^ appropriated for the purpose. This gave 
rise to the agricultural division of the Patent Office. 

In 1858 a Propagating Garden was established on that portion of the public grounds 
lying along the S. side of Missouri av., bet. 4^^ and 6th sts. N., for the purpose of 
testing sorghum and Chinese sugar cane. In"l868 these operations were removed 
to the present more extensive grounds. 

The Department of Agriculture was established bv act of Congress dated May I5, 
1862, "to acquire and diffuse among the people of the United States useful infor- 
mation on subjects connected with agriculture in the most general and comprehen- 
sive sense of that word, and to procure, propagate, and distribute among the people 
new and valuable seeds and plants." The chief executive officer was to be known 
as the Commissioner of Agriculture, to be appointed by the President and confirmed 
by the Senate. The Department, before occupying its present abode, had rooms in 
the basement of the Patent Office. 

There are now annually distributed about 1,200,000 packagesof seeds, and 25,000 
bulbs, vines, cuttings, and plants. 

The publications cf the Department consist of an annual report of zhoMt 700 pages 
octavo, 227,000 to 275,000 printed for distribution, and monthly reports of about 48 
pages octavo, on the condition of the crops. 28,000 printed. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 163 

NAVAL OBSERYATOKY. 

The United States Naval Observatory is one of the leading 
astronomical establishments in the world. It is open every 
day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. The watchman 
will show visitors through the building. Night visits are very 
much restricted in consequence of the interference icith the 
astronomiccd work. The street cars on Pennsjdvania av. run 
within 10 min. walk. Alight at 24th st. W., south side. Vis- 
itors afoot may reach the Observatory by following ISTew 
York av. W. of the State, War, and Navy Department to E 
St. N., thence by the latter to 24th st. w! 

Grounds, — The Observatory occupies a commanding site 
on the N. bank of the Potomac, 96 ft. above tide, and origin- 
ally known as Peters'' Hill, after its proprietor. The beauti- 
ful grounds comprise 19 a. within the walls, and constitute 
Reservation No. 4 on the original plat of the city. 




NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 

There arc many interesting historical associations connected witii the site. In 1755 
portion of Braddock's army camped here on the march from Alexandria to the fatal 
field on the Monongahela. On the Potomac bank is a rock upon which the troops 
were landed, and known as Braddoci''s rock. In 1792 it was proposed to erect zfort 
and barracks on the N. portions of the reservation. It was a favorite project v/ith 
Washington to establish a national university here. The grounds were named Uni- 
versity Square from this fact. In iSi3-''i4 part of the American army encamped on 
the hill, from which fact it was long known as Camp Hill., and advanced to Bladens- 
burg for the defense of the city against the English. 

The Observatory, founded in 1842, is under the direction of 
the Bureau of Navigation., Navy Department. Tlie reserva- 
tion in tiie centre of which it stands was selected for the pur- 
pose by President Tyler. 

Buildings. — The central building., completed in 1844, is 50 
ft. sq., consisting of a basement and 2 stories, witli a crown- 
ing parapet and balustrade, and is surmounted bj^ a dome. 



164 NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 

On the E. and W. are icings^ each 26^ ft. long', 21 ft. wide, 
and 18 ft. high. At the end of tlie former is the residence of 
tlie superintendent, and the hitter, an ohserving-roorn^ 40 ft. 
by 281- ft-, built in 1869. The projection on tlie S. is 60 ft. 
long, and terminates in the great dome. Visitors are expect- 
ed to register their names in the book opposite the main 
entrance. 

Eooms and Instruments. — TJie numbers refer to the diagram 
of ground plan. 

I.' Pier of Equatorial, brick, imbedded 17 ft in the earth, conical, is 12 ft. 
in diameter at the surface line, 7 ft. at top, 28 ft. high, and is capped with a pedestal 
of stone weighing "j]/^ tons. Over the pier is a dome 2} ft. in diameter, rising 20 ft. 
above the roof, and provided with a slip. The dome revolves on six 24-lb. shot. 
This Equatorial^ purchased in 1845, was made by Mcrz and Mahler, Munich, cost 
$6,000. Object-glass, 9.62 in., clear aperture; focal length, 14 ft. 4.5 in. Its work 
is chiefly upon the smaller planets, asteroids, and comets. 

II. Superintendent's Office. — Here is an electro-chronograph^ in a marble case, 
invented by Prof. John L. Locke, 1848. It is connected by electric wires with the 
clocks in the Executive Departments, Weather Signal Office, and Western Union 
Telegraph Office. The current is continually passing, the pendulums of all the clocks 
beating together. In the adjacent hall is a superbly-carved black walnut switch-board^ 
made by the Western Electric Manufacturing Company, Chicago, and purchased in 
1874. The frame takes no wires, and has j,ooo combinations. Through this the 
clocks, chronographs, and instruments arc placed in communication with each other 
and with the telegraphic system of the world. The old switch-board is opposite. 

III. General Office. IV. Office of Naval Officer in Charge of 
Chronometers. V. Packing- Room. 

VI. Mural Circle and Transit, with clock and chronograph. Mural Cir- 
cle^ made by Troughton & Simms, London, 1843 ; erected in 1844. Object-glass, 
4.10 in., clear aperture ; focal length, 5 ft. 3.8 in. ; diameter at graduation, 60.35 i"-} 
is divided into every 5 min., and is supplied with reading microscopes. Its use is for 
observing declinations of stars. Transit^ made by Ertel & Son, Munich, 1844 ; erect- 
ed the same year. Object-glass 5.33.in., clear aperture; focal length, 7 ft. 0.4 in. 
Used for observing the right ascension of stars. These were the principal instru- 
ments used by Prof. Yarnell in making his Catalogue 0/10,658 Stars. 

VII. Chronometer-Room, in which the chronometers of the navy, when not 
in actual use, are kept and rated. The average number here is 200. They are 
wound and compared with a standard,daily, and a record kept of their variation by 
the naval officer in charge. In the same room is a standard mean-time clock^ with 
necessary apparatus, from which at meridian each day exact time is dispatched. The 
naval officer in charge, at 3 min. before noon, connects the clock through the foot 
of the pendulum with electric wires, and at mean noon taps the electric key, simul- 
taneously giving the instant of mean noon to the Western Union Telegraph Com- 
pany's offices, and thence all over the U. S. The hall over the Observatory is 
dropped at tne same moment. 

VIII. Library. — In 1S44 this consisted of 200 vols, of astronomical works, do- 
nated by the Greenwich, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna Observatories. It now com- 
prises 6,ooo vols., some very rare, dating in 14S2, relating to astronomy, meteorolo- 
gy, and kindred sciences, and is the most complete of the kind on the western hemi- 
sphere. 

IX. Siderial Clock, made by Kessels, of Altona, Germany, is used as the 
standard clock of the Observatory. 

X. Transit Circle, made by Pistor & Martins, Berlin, was first mounted in 
the present Library in 1S65. Object-glass, 8.52 in, clear aperture ; focal length, 12 
ft. I in.; outer diameter of its circles, 45.30 in., and at the graduation, 43.40 in. 
Both circles are divided to every 2 min., and are fitted with reading microscopes. 
The collimators, for adjusting the instrument, have a focal length of 2 ft. 11 in. 
Use: observation of the positions of the sun, moon, and planets. In the same room 
is a chronograph^ made by Alvan Clark & Sons, from designs by Prof. Wm. Hark- 
ness. It records by electric wires the times at which observations are made. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 



165 



XI. Prime Vertical Transit, made by Pistor & Martins, Berlin, was erect- 
ed in 1844. Object-glass, 4.86 in., clear aperture; focal length, 6 ft. 5 in. Is used 
cnly for declinations. 

XII. iMachine Shop. XIII. Room of Officer in Charge of thh Great 
Equatorial. XIV. Sleeping Apartment of Officer in Charge of the 
Great Equatorial. 



XV. Great Equatorial, 
mounted in 1873, made by Al- 
van Clark & Sons, Cambridge- 
port, Mass. Object-glass, 26 
in., clear aperture; focal 
length, 3234 ft., cost §47,000. 
The rough lump of glass was 
cast by Chance & Co., Birm- 
ingham, England. The in- 
strument rests upon a double 
pier of masonry, imbedded 17 
ft. in the earth. The pier 
above the floor is of brick, 
arched, and has a cap consist- 
ing of a solid block of red sand- 
stone, 8 ft. long by 2 ft. wide 
and high. On top of this is an 
iron support weighing 1,100 
lbs., to receive the axis upon 
which the telescope is mount- 
ed. The instrument with iti 
weighs 6 tons. The in- 




strument is equatorially 
mounted^ the general plan 
being that devised by Fraun- 
hofer, modified by Messrs. 
Clark and Prof S. Newcomb, 
and is run by a reaction water 
wheel. It is fitted with mi- 
chrometers., spectroscopes., &c. 
The tube is of sheet steel, 
rolled in Pittsburgh. There 
is also a chronograph con- 
nected with the instrument. 
The great equatorial is plac- 
ed in an iron dome 41 ft. in 
diameter and 40 ft. in height, 
erected at a cost of $14,000 
The superstructure rests on 
a stone foundation. The roof 
is supplied with a slip, re- 
volves on conical wheels, 
and is easily moved horizont- 
ally in cither direction by 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY, GROUND PL.\N. 

means of suitable gearing. The instrument is the largest refractor in the world. 
The next in size is in the private observatory of R. S. Newall, Gateshead, England, 
and has 25 in. of clear aperture. 

XVI. Residence of the Superintendent. 

The rooms on the second floor of the mahi l3i.uldhio- are used 
by officers in cliari^e of the various instruments and tlieir 
assistants. The view from the platform around tlie dome is 
very line. To the top of the staff over tlie dome a blaclc can- 
vass hall, 2^ ft. in diameter, is hoisted daily a few minutes 
before noon, and by means of a steel sprint^, governed by a 
magnet and operated from the chronometer-room, is dropped 
on the instant of mean noon. 



IM ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 

Superintendents 0/ the Depot of Charts and Instruments. — 18}0, Lieut. L. M. 
Gbhdsborough ; 18? j, Lieut. Charles Wilkes; 1836, Lieut. Hitchcock; i8j8, Lieut. 
J. M. Gilliss. Of the Naval Observatory. — 1844, Commander M. F. Maury; 1861, 
Capt. J. M. Gilliss; 1865, Rear Admiral C. H, Davis; 1867, Rear Admiral B. F. 
Sands ; 1874, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis. 

History. — The first action of Congress towards the establishment of an observa- 
tory was in 1821, in the passage of a joint resolution to ascertain the longitude of the 
Capitol from Greenwich, first proposed by Wm. Lambert, of Va., in 1810. In i8jo 
a bureau, for the care of the instruments and charts of the navy, was created. A 
small }o-in. transit was erected at the same time. A series of observations were car- 
ried on in connection with the Wilkes Exploring Expedition, i838-'4i. In 184a a 
**^ permanent depot'' was established. In 1850 the meridian of the Observatory at 
Washington was adopted as the American meridian for astronomical and that of 
Greenwich for all nautical purposes. Long, of Observatory, 77° 3' s''.8 W. of 
Greenwich ; lat., 38° 53' 38".8 N. 



ARMY jNIEDICAL ]yrusEUM. 

The Army Medical Museum {open every day, except Sunday, 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands on the E. side of 10th st. W., 
about midway between E and F sts. N^. It is a plain brick 
structure, painted darlv brown, 3 stories liigh, 71 ft. front, and 
109 ft. deep. Tlie building was originally a church, and then 
a theatre, known as Ford's Theatre, and was the scene of the 
tragedy of April 14, 1865 — the assassination of President 
Lincoln. The building was immediately closed by the Gov- 
ernment, and in April, 1866, Congress purchased it for $100,- 
000, for the purpose to which it is now applied. The interior 
Avas taken out, remodeled, and made fire-proof, under direc- 
tion of Surgeon General Barnes. There is now no trace of 
the exact scene of the assassination. Its location was on the 
r., about the centre of what is now the second floor. The as- 
sassin took his last drink in the restaurant, which occupied 
the first floor of the S. wing, now the Chemical Laboratory. 
The President was conveyed to the house ISTo. 516, opposite, 
and died in the back room of the first floor. 

On the IST. side, in the rear of the building, is a small wing, 
occupied by the Museum workshops, and in front, on the S. 
side, is another wing, used by the Chemical Laboratory and 
the officers on duty. The main entrance is in the S. portion 
of the front, and the Museum is in the third story, at the top 
of the stairway. The first floor is occupied by the record 
and pension division of the Surgeon General's Office, contain- 
ing the papers belonging to the military hospitals and monthly 
sick reports of the army during the rebellion, 1861-65, and 
are stil'. received from the various posts of the regular army. 
The hospital records number over 16,000 vols. Tlie payment 
of pensions is based upon information received from these rec- 
ords. The alphabetical registers contain about 300,000 names 



ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 167 

of the dead of the army. The Chemical Laboratory in the S. 
whig is charged with the examination of alleged adulterations 
of medicines and hospital supplies, and otlier investigationfj 
of a similar nature which come before the Surgeon General. 
The second floor contains the surgical records. In the S. wing, 
on this llooi', are the oflices of the Surgeon General and sur- 
geon in charge. Here are portraits of Surgeon General Lovel, 
John Hunter, (a copy from Sir Joshua Reynolds,) philosophi- 
cal writer on sm-gery, Dr. ISIorton, author of Crania Ameri-- 
cana, and Dr. Physic, an original by Rembrandt Peale. •; 

Museum.— The Museum on the third floor is well lighted 
in front and rear and by a large central skylight, which also 
lights the floors below througli oblong openings. The attend- 
ant in the room will ans^^■er questions and point out objects 
of special interest. 

The specimens, arranged in cases and otherwise, number 
10,003, and are divided into six sections, viz: I. Surgical 
Section^ embracing specimens of the effects of missiles of 
every variety on all parts of the body, extremely interest- 
ing; the stages of repair; morbid conditions, calculi, tumors, 
&c. ; plaster casts representing mutilations resulting from 
injuries and surgical operations; examples of missiles ex-- 
tracted from wounds ; preparations exhibiting the eftects of 
injuries peculiar to Indian hostilities. In this section are 
the bones of the amputated portions of the legs of eight 
generals, and a portion of the vertebr.ic of the neck of Booth, 
the assassin. II. Medical Section^ consisting of specimens 
illustrating the morbid conditions of the internal organs in 
fever, chronic dysentery, and other camp diseases ; the mor- 
bid anatomy of the diseases of civil life; and pathological 
pieces relating to the diseases of women and children, mal- 
formations, and monstrosities. III. Microscoj^ical Section, 
including thin sections of diseased tissues or oi-gans, suitably 
mounted for microscopical study, and a variety of prepara- 
tions exhibiting the minute anatomy of normal structures. 
An interesting branch of this section is the success attained 
in photo-micographj^, the process by which the most delicate 
microscopical preparations can be photographed to a magni- 
fying power of 4,500 diameters. IV. Anatomical Section, 
embracing skeletons, separated crania, and other prepara- 
tions of the anatomy of the human frame. The collection of 
human crania, with a view to ethnological study, and espe- 
ciall}^ relating to the aboriginal race of the United States, is 
very complete, numbering about 1,000 specimens. V. Section 
of Comparative Anatomy, embracing over 1,003 specimens of 
skeletons oibufl"alo, deer, bear, and other American mammals, 



168 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

with birds, reptiles, and fislies. VI. Miscellaneous Section^ 
including models of hospitals, barracks, ambulances, and 
medicine wagons, a collection of surgical instruments, arti- 
ficial limbs, and other articles of interest. The object of the 
Museum is not to gratify public curiosity, but was founded 
and is carried on in the interests of science. It is the linest 
collection of the hind in the world, and is resorted to by sur- 
gical and medical students and writers from all parts of the 
United States and abroad . Tlie original design of the Museum 
was the collection of specimens illustrative of military surgery 
and camp diseases for the education of medical men for mili- 
tary service. The Medical and Surgical History of the War 
was compiled from the records of the museum. 



GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

The Government Printing Office and Bindery {open every 
day^ except Sunday, from 8 a. m. to 5. p. m.) occupies an 
L-shaped brick building, on the SW. corner of H and North 
Capitol sts. The Office may be reached hj the Columbia 
Horse Baikvay. Visitors should alight and enter by the door 
nearest N. Capitol st. There is also a public entrance on the 
latter st. It will be necessary for strangers to state to the 
watchman at either door that they desire to visit the build- 
ing. The building measures 300 ft. on H st., and 175 ft. on 
N. Capitol St., and is 60 ft. deep and four stories high. The 
building, without the addition of an extension of GO ft. on the 
W. end, and an L of 113 ft. on the E. end, made in 1871, was 
purchased in 1860 by the Superintendent of Public Printing, 
an office then created under authority of an act of Congress. 
It had previously belonged to Cornelius Wendell, and was 
then used as a printing office, under the contract system. 
The object of the purchixse was the execution of the printing 
and binding authorized by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, the Executive and Judicial Departments, and the 
Court of Claims. Connected with the main building are a 
paper warehouse, machine shops, boiler and coal houses, 
wagon shed and stable. 

On i\iQ first floor are the press, wetting, drying, and engine 
rooms. The presses include a variety of patterns, and are 
adapted to every species of work. There are 52 in all, from 
the immense Bullock press to the small Gordon. On the 
second floor are the composing-room, with 300 stands, the 



GOVERNMENT PRINTING Ol'FlCE. 169 

proof-reading rooms, the electro and stereotype fomidery, and 
the offices of the Con<^resslonal Prhiter. On the tidrdfioor 
is the bindery, ineludino^ einbossin*^, nnrnherin,i>:, jjai^ini^, rul- 
ing, stamping, stltcliing, mai'bling, and all other bi-anehes. 
The ])rocess of mar)>ling is i)aiticiilarly int(;i-<'sting. On th<*, 
fourth floor are the stitching and folding rooms and tlic Con- 
gressional Record office, with a capacity of Working 100 men. 
The Record, containing th(; proceedings and debates of Con- 
gress, now printed at tli(; rublic J'rinting Offic<', is issued 
every day at G A. M. dni-ing the session of Congn^ss. All 
bills and reports, without i"(;gard to hiugtli, are deliver(Ml in 
print to Congniss tlie day following their presentation. 

The Tublic Printing Office is the largest establishment of 
the kind in th<'. world. The capacity for woi-k is i>i-actically 
without limit. U])war(ls of 120,000 pages of dociMn(;ntary 
composition and 1,000,000 volumes of that class of work have 
])een turixMl out in a single* year. The finest works printed 
here an; the Medical and 8ui-gical History of the War; the 
reports of the ]*aris Exposition; Astronomical Obs(;rvations 
of the Naval Observaioiy ; the. Census of 1870; the Case of 
the United States before the Tribunal of Arbitration at Gen- 
eva, in English, French, and Portuguese ; professional papers 
of the Bureau of Engineers, War Dejjartirient ; the Darien 
and Tehuantepec Ship-canal^Expeditions; llayden's Final 
Surveys; Clarence King's Surveys of the 40th Parallel ; the 
Ooast Survey Eepoits ; and general Catalogues of the Libra- 
ries of the tfnited States and the Surgeon Genei-al's Office. 

Public rrinters,. — Siiperiidendents, 18o3, J. T. Towers, 
D. C; 1854, A. G. Seaman, Penn.; 1858, G, W. Bowman, 
Penn. ; 18G0, John Heart, Penn.; 18G1, J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 
18GG, C. Wendell, N. Y. Conyre.Hsional Printer's — 18G7, J. 
D. Defrees, Ind.; 18G0, A. M. Clapp, N. Y. 

The office is divided into the Composing Department, H, 
T. Brian, Foreman of Printing; Electro and Stereotyping, 
A. Elliott, jr., ]Maurice Joyce;' Binclery, J. H. Roberts. 

In 1852 the old contract system of public printing, was 
abolished, and the office of Superintendent of Public Print- 
ing for each House of Congress was created. The work, 
though still executed by contract, was then done under the 
direction of those officers. In 18G0 Congress took the public 
printing in their own hands, and in 18G7 the office of Super- 
intendent of Public Printing was abolished, and instead the 
Senate of the United States was authorized to elect some 
competent person, a practical printer, to take charge of the 
Government Printino- Office. 



170 winder's building. 



WINDER'S BUILDING. 



This structure {open every dmj^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) is situated on the N W. corner of F and 17th sts., 
opposite the Navy Department. It was originally erected 
for a hotel, and was purchased by the Government for the 
accommodation of public offices. The first tioor is occupied 
principall}^ by the Chief Engineer of the Army. Tiie last 
room. No. 2, on the corridor leading to the r. after entering 
is tlie Battle Record Room., in which the reports of the battles 
of the late war are filed and indexed. On the r. of the S. 
cori'idor, No. 13, is a file room for the papers belonging to the 
Adjutant General's Office. The second floor, E. front, is 
devoted to the Judge Advocate General of the Army., and the 
S. to tlie Ordnance Office. The floors above are assigned to 
the Second Auditor of the Treasury Department. 

Ordnance Museum. — {Open every day, except Sunday, from 
9 a. m. to S p. m.) — This interesting military collection is on 
the second floor, and may be reached by ascending tlie «teps 
opposite tlie main door, and keeping the corridors to the r., 
passing through the door marked "'Ordnance Office " to door 
No. 49 on the r. at the farther end of the corridor; crossing 
this room and the connecting hall we enter the Museum, 
which occupies a detached building. The collection occupies 
two fine halls. The most conspicuous object on entering are 
the captured Confederate flags. They are all more or less 
associated with the battles of the late civil strife. The other 
objects of interest are United States Army infantjy and cav- 
alry nniforms and accoutrements complete ; section of an 
oak, which stood inside the Confederate entrenchments near 
Spottsylvania C. H., and was cut down by musket balls in 
the attempt to recapture the works carried by 2d Corps A. 
P., May 12, 1864; Jefterson Davis' I'ifle, a French piece, 
taken at the time of his capture in 1865; artillery, cavalry, 
and iniantry accoutrements used in the U, S. Armj" from the 
earliest date; cheveaux-de-frise from front of Petersburg, 
Va. ; models and drawings of arsenals ; fuses for exploding 
shells and cannon ; shells picked up on the battle-fields ; cart- 
ridge bags for field, siege, and sea-coast artillery, the largest 
containing 100 lbs. ; projectiles of various sizes, both spherical 
and rifled, the largest being 20 in. in diameter, and weighing 
1,000 lbs. ; portable cavalry forge and tools complete ; Gat- 
ling guns of various size's, including the "Camel" gun 
mounted on tripod, and of which large numbers are in use 
in Egypt; a Billinghu^-st and Requia battery; a Union or 



CITY HALL. 



171 



'' coffee-mill " gun ; a steel Whitworth gun, one of a battery 
ttoin loyal Americans in Europe to the United States in 1861 ; 
the carriage of a 4 lb. cannon, formerly the property of the 
city of Vicksburg, fired at a passing steamer several days 
before any guns were fired at United States forts or troops 
at Charleston or Pensacola — tlie gun is at West Point ; breech 
loaders captui-ed at Kichmond ; confederate projectiles ; 
models complete, showing mountings of guns in casemate 
and barbette, also mortars; a gun mounted on a saddle; 
models of field and siege artillery, caissons, forges, and bat- 
tery wagons used in the U. S. Army; life-size models of 
liorse artillery equipments, ordnance rockets, and fireworks. 
On the second floor is the Museum of small arms, in Avliich 
can be traced tlieh- liistory from the beginning, and practically 
Illustrating tlic stages of advancement, embracing breech and 
muzzle-loaders^ muskets., rifles., and carbines, armor 1610, 
cuirass, and helmet, and other relics from the l)attle-field of 
Sedan, 1870, foreign arms and cavalry equijjments, Indian 
war clubs, and ancient loeapons and wall pieces. Japanese 
two-lmnded swords worn by Kendo, a provincial officer, visit- 
ing the U. S. in 1871, presented by Arinori Mori, Charge 
d'Aff"airs, and captured Confederate arms. 




DISTRICT COURT-HOUSE, (FOKMEKLV CITY H M.L.) 



DISTKICT COURT HOUSE. 



Tlie City Hall, until 1871, occupied jointly by the munici- 
pal government of Washington and the United States Courts 



172 ARSENAL. 

for the District of Columbia, in 1873, by purchase, became the 
«ole property of the United States, and is now entirely devoted 
to judicial purposes. The structure stands on the S. line of 
Judiciary Square, fronting 4J st. W., and at the intersection 
of Louisiana and Indiana avs. In^ the open space in front is 
^ marble column surmounted by a statue of Lincoln by Lot 
Flannery, a self-taught sculptor. It was erected out of the 
contributions of a number of patriotic citizens. Tlie building 
was commenced in 1820, from plans by George Hadtield, the 
iircliitect of the Capitol. The E. wing was finished in 1826, 
and the W. in 1819. It is two stories, 47 ft. higii, and con- 
sists of a recessed centre 150 ft. long, with two projecting 
wings, each 50 ft. front and 166 ft. deep. The entire frontage 
is 250 ft. The structure is built of freestone painted white. 
In the centre of the main building, and in each wing, are re- 
cessed porticos, formed of Doric columns. Between the wings 
is a paved space. 



ARSE2fAL. 



The arsenal {open from sunrise to 5 i^wseif) occupies a tract of 
45 a. at the extreme S. point of the city. It is accessible by 
the 9th-st. line of the Metropolitan horse railway^ the terminus 
•of which is near the gate, at the foot of 4^ st. W. The tract 
originally comprised 28 J a., and included the point of land at 
the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, extend- 
ing from the former stream to the mouth of James Creek, 
and I^. to T st. S. In 1857 it was extended, by the purchase 
of the adjoining land on the jS"., (16 a.,) between the Potomac 
and the James Creek Canal, to P st. S. 

The grounds are laid out in walks and drives, and entered 
througli a gateway consisting of iron gates s\^'ung on 32 and 
24-pdr. cannon. The guard room is on the 1., and on the 
r. is a 15-in. Rodman gun, and below a pendulum house, in 
which is a pendulum balance for testing the force of gun- 
powder. The Chief of Ordnance resides at the end of the 
main drive, in the large building on the 1., and opposite are 
officers' quarters. The old quarters and shops are at the S. 
extremitj^ of the grounds, about | m., where there is also a 
grove of oaks, hickory, and American beech. The distance 
from the commanding officer's quarters to Pennsjdvania av. 
is 2 m. In front of the old quarters are a number of captured 
■cannon and mortars, among which ai-e two Blakely guns, one 
inscribed, "Presented to the sovereign State of South Caro- 
lina, by one of her citizens residing abroad, in commemora- 



ARSENAL. 173 

tion of the 20 of Dec, I860;" a brass gun with a ball in the 
muzzle, shot there in the battle of Gettysburg ; guns surren- 
dered by the British by the Convention of Saratoga, Oct. 
17, 1777; French guns taken at the battle of Niagara, July 
25, 1814; a 64 pounder captured at Vera Cruz, March 29^ 
1847 ; and guns captured from Cornwallis at Yorktown, Oct. 
19, 1781 : also a number of small guns and mortars, some of 
date 1756. In 1826 the United States Penitentiary, designed 
by Bullfincli, was commenced on the present N. portion of 
these grounds. It was completed in 1829. Tlie body of 
Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, was landed at the 
small wharf at the lower end of the grounds, and was buried 
in one of the lower cells of the penitentiary. The other con- 
spirators were buried in the same building. When the peni- 
tentiary w^as torn down, these bodies were taken up and 
reinterred in one of the storehouses. They have all since 
been removed. In 1865 the body of Wirz, the keeper of the 
Andersonville prison, was also brought here, after the execu- 
tion at the Old Capitol. It is now buried in Mt. Olivet ceme- 
tery. The grounds afford a delightful stroll or drive, with 
the broad Potomac on the W. and the James Creek Canal on 
theE. 

In the arsenal buildings are stored guns of various sizes^ 
shot and shell, artillery implements and equipments, cavalry 
and infantry accoutrements, and small arms. There are also 
officers' quarters, barracks, hospitals, bakeries, stables, and 
machine, carpenter, blacksmith, and painters' sliops, lumber 
storehouses, and two magazines for fixed ammunition and 
small-arm cartridges. Tlie principal magazines are on the 
Anacostia. A detachment and three officers of the ordnance 
corps are on duty. 

In 1803 a military station was established on the Arsenal 
grounds. In 1807 "shops were erected. In 1812 powder was 
stored here. In 1813 it became a regular depot of supplies. 
In 1814 it was destroj^ed by the British. A niunber of the 
latter were killed by the explosion of powder secreted in a 
well near the quarters. In 1815 it was rebuilt under Col. 
George Bomford. In 1816 buildings were erected by the 
Ordnance Department. The station was under command 
of M. Villard, a French officer, who came to the United 
States with Lafayette. During the rebellion, 1861-'65, the 
Arsenal was the depot of ordnance supplies for the Army ol 
the Potomac. Large quantities of ammunition and gun car- 
riages were made here. In 1864 twenty-one girls were killed 
in an explosion of one of the laboratories. Since the war the 
grounds liave been beautified. 



174 NAVY -YARD. 



:N'AyY-YARD. 



The Navy- Yard {ojoen every day^ except Sunday,, from 7 a. 
m. to sunset^) is situated on the Anacostia, f m. SE. of the 
Capitol, 8th st. E. terminating at the entrance. It may be 
reached from the W. portions of the citj^ in the red cars of 
the Pennsylvania av. st. railway. The officer of the marine 
guard at the gate will pass visitors* The present grounds 
comprise about 27 a., and are entered by a stone gateway, in 
Doric stjde, over which are small cannon-and-ball embellisli- 
ments, and in the centre a well-executed eagle, resting on an 
anchor. Inside, on the r., is the guard-room, and opposite 
the officers' room. An avenue runs S. from the entrance to 
the building occupied by the Commandant's and other offices 
of the yard. The Executive officer's room is on the second 
floor, and from whom a permit may be obtained, which will 
admit the bearer to any part of the yard, in the workshops, 
and on board any monitors in the stream. 

Immediately within tlie entrance, on either side of the 
avenue, are two large guns, captured in 1804, by Commodore 
Decatur from two Tripolitan gunboats. The buildings on 
the 1. and r. are the officers' quarters : those of the Com- 
mandant being on the 1. On the 1. of the main avenue are 
the storehouses, copper-works, &c. ; and on the r. the foundrj'', 
machine, and other shops. S. of the Commandant's building 
are a number of cannon and projectiies : among the former 
two of 1686 and 1767 date, captured at N'orfolk, Va., 1862; 
several Austrian and French guns, and two Austrian howit- 
zers, rifled, captured on the steamer Columbia in 1862. 

On the river bank are two ship-houses E. and W. Near 
the E . is the boat-house, from which a boat may be taken to 
the monitors, if any, in the sti-eam. More to the W. lies the 
receiving-ship, the W. ship-house, and a water batteiy. The 
large building crowning the hill on the opposite side of the 
river is the National Asylum for the Insane. The view down 
the river is very fine. In the W. part of the yard is the Ord- 
nance-shop and Laboratorj'. The avenue leading back to- 
wards the main entrance passes near the Museum, [ojjen from 
9 a. m. to ^p>' ''*•) Oi^ either side of the door are a number of 
projectiles of the largest size. Among these a 20-in. shot, 
weighing 1,048 lbs. The gun is on the Rip-raps, Hampton 
Roads. Here may be seen a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of interest : among which, on the first Jloor^ are a Span- 
ish gun, cast about 1490, brought to America by Cortez, and 
used in the conquest of Mexico ; a Spanish gun captured by 
Commodore Stockton in California in 1847^ an old-style re- 



NAVY -YARD. 



175 




NAVY-YARD. 



peater; a small mortar, captured from Lord Cornwallis; a 
section of the sternpost of the Kearsarge, showiiii? a shell, 
which did not explode, lired into it by the Alabama; confed- 
erate torpedoes, taken out of southern harbors; submarine 
rockets; models of projectiles, and a very interesting col- 
lection of those which had been Ih-ed. On the second floor 
are principally small arms ; models of cannon ; a model of the 
ordnance dock, Brooklyn ; brass swivels, one very old, said 
to have belono-ed to Cortez ; a telescope rille ; two blunder- 
busses, and cases of rilles and pistols. Tbe walls and ceil- 
mgs are artistically decorated with pikes, cutlasses, sabres^ 
and pistols. 

History.— On Oct. 30, 1799, the selection of a site for the 
Navy-Yard was brouglit to tlie attention of tiie commission- 
ers, and led to considerable correspondence with Xaval Agent 
William Marbnry. The ground best suited for tliat purpose 
lay on the Anacostia, a short distance above its confluence 
with the Potomac, on land owned by Messrs. Carroll and 
Prout. On Dec. 3, 1799, the Secretary of the Navy gave 
orders to lay the ground out. The yard, however, was not 
formally establislied till the passage of the act of March, 1804. 
In those early days it was unrivalled. Such famous vessels 
as the Wasp, Arg'us, the brig Viper, the Essex, the schoon- 
ers Shark and Grampus, the sloop of war St. Louis, 24 guns, 
and frigates Columbia, Potomac, and Brandywine, 14 guns 
each, were built here. In 1837 it was proposed to establish a 



176 MARINE BARRACKS. 

naval school at the yard. Of late years the yard has lost its 
prominence for naval construction, owino^ to the greater fa- 
cilities presented by more recently-established stations, and 
the tilling up of the channeJ. In 1816 a ship of the line could 
anchor here. The yard is now one of the most important for 
the manufacture of naval supplies. 



^lARINE BARRACKS. 

A short distance N'. of the IsTavy-Yard gate, on the E. side 
of 8th St. E., between G and I sts. S., are the Marine Barracks. 
The Pennsylvania av. cars (red) for the l!^avy-Yard pass the 
ii'on gate, which is the general entrance. Visitors are admit- 
ted from 9 a. m, till sundown^ but can be passed before that 
time by the officer of the day. The barracks have a frontage 
of 700 feet. The centre building, used for officers' quarters, 
is two stories high, and the wings are one story, with accom- 
modations for 200 men. The offices of the generil staff are 
opposite, on 9th st. E. On the IST. of the square a e the quar- 
ters of the Brigadier General and Commandant of the Marine 
Corps, and opposite, on the S., is the armory and hospital. 
In the former are some interesting Marine Corps flags. One 
bears the inscription "From Tripoli to the Halls of the IMon- 
tezumas" by land and sea; also, a Corean flag captured in 
battle. 

The most interesting occasion for a visit would be at the 
time of general inspeciion on any Monday, weather permit- 
ting, at 10 a. m., when the Marines and their excellent band 
may be seen in full parade. Every day at 8 a. m. in summer 
and 9 a. m. in winter, there is guard mounts the band per- 
forming. The barracks were burnt by the British in 1814, 
but were immediately rebuilt. Recruits are sent here for in- 
struction before being detailed for service on the vessels of the 
Navy. 

The Marine Covins was organized in 1798 as an adjunct to 
the naval establishment, theii placed under an independent 
administration. The corps lias participated, with glory to 
its officers and men, in all the brilliant achievements whieli 
have characterized the operations of the ^^cyj of the United 
States whenever called upon to vindicate the honor of the na- 
tion. On land the corps has borne itself nobly; and against 
greatly superior numbers and overcoming grave obstacles, 
has invariably returned with fresh laurels. ' In the Tripolitan 
and Mexican wars, in their participation in the attack on Fort 



MAGAZINES. 177 

Fisher, in their desperate conflict on tiie coast of Corea against 
overwhelming numbers of the barbarous enemy, and in re- 
peated retahatory landings on tlie shores of Asiatic countries 
and islands of the Pacific, their discipline and bravery liave 
won for them a bright page in tlie nation's history. The 
headquarters of the corps are appropriately at the National 
Capital, being established at tlie Marine Barracks. The com- 
mandant or superior officer holds the rank of brigadier gen- 
eral; there are also 1 colonel, 2 lieutenant colonels, 4 majors, 
20 captains, and an increased number of lieutenants. The 
numerical strength of the corps by law is 2,500 men. 



MAGAZINES. 



The Army and Navy Magazines, to which there is no ad- 
mittance, occupy about 6 a. in the S. part of reservation No. 
13, or Hospital Square, situated in the extreme E.part of the 
city on the Anacostia. They consist of four brick buildings, 
the two for the Army on the N., and those for the Navy on 
the S., with a capacity of 2,000 bbls. each. The grounds are 
tastefully laid out. A sergeant and private and a small detach- 
ment of marines are on duty. The wharf at the foot of the 
grounds is used exclusively for the discharge or shipment of 
powder. In 1873 the Bellville farm, of 90 a., on Oxen creek, 
with a frontage on the Potomac nearly opposite Alexandria, 
was purchased for the Naval Magazine, which will be remov- 
ed from its present location. 

The large quantities of powder usually stored in these 
magazines occasions great uneasiness to the inhabitants of 
the adjacent parts of the city. Frequent measures have been 
taken to have the magazines remo^'ed. That of the Navy will 
be transferred to its new site as soon as the buildings are 
ready for use. The Army magazines will doubtless speedily 
foUow. 



12 



SECTION lY. 

PLACES OF GENERAL INTEREST, 




SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

HE Smithsonian Institution {open daily^ except 

Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.) occupies a fine 

site S. of Pennsj'lvania av., and may be conveniently 

readied by 10th st. W.. the centre of the N. front 

of the building facing that street . 

Grouiids. — The whole area of what are now desig- 
nated the Smithsonian Grounds — that is, from 7th to 12th st. 
and between B sts. N. and S., covers 52 J acres. The Smith- 
sonian grounds proper, and which were set apart for the In- 
stitution' in 1846, consist of 20 a., situated in the SW. corner 
of the larger reservation. At first the charge of the Smith- 
sonian grounds proper was under the Institution. About 15 
years ago, however, Congress resumed their supervision. 
They were then thrown into the extensive and beautiful res- 
ervation which liow surrounds the Institution building. 

The grounds were designed and partially laid out by the 
distinguished horticulturist and landscape gardener, Andrew 
Jackson Downinir, whose death occurred while in the prose- 
cution of his plans. " They are arranged with lawns, groves, 
di'ives, and footways, and are planted with 150 species of 
trees and shrubs, chiefly American. In the E. portion of the 
grounds, N. of the E. wing of the building, is a vase of ex- 
quisite beautv, designed by Calvert Vaux, of Newburg, N. 
Y., executed' bv Robert Launitz, sculptor, of New York, 
and erected bv the American Pomological Society to the 
memory of Downing. The funds Avere supplied by friends of 
the deceased. The principal design of the monument con- 
sists of a large vase of antique pattern, worked in Italian 
marble, and resting on a pedestal of tlie same material. The 
vase is 4 ft. high and 3 ft. in diameter at the upper rim. The 
body is ornamented with arabesque. Acanthus leaves sur- 
round the lower part. The handles rest on tiie heads of satyrs, 
e-ods of o-roves and woods, and tlie pedestal on a carved base 

(178 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



179 



surrounded with a cornice. On each side is a deep panel, 
relieved by carved mouldings. In each is an appropriate in- 
scription. That facing the N. reads, "This vase was erected 
by his friends in memory of Andrew Jackson Downing, who 
died July 28, 1852, aged thirtj^-seven years. He was born 
and lived and died on the Hudson river." On the base of 
the pedestal are the words, "This memorial was erected 
under a resolution passed at Philadelphia, in September, 
1852, by the American Pomological Society, of which ]Mi\ 
Downing was one of the original founders. Marshall P. 
Wilder, President." The whole monument, with the granite 
plinth, is d^tt. high, and cost $1,600. 



Description. — The style of architecture of the Smithsonian 
Building, designed by James Kenwick, Jr., of N". Y., is Nor- 
man, and chronologically belongs to the end of the 12th cen- 
tmy, representing the rounded at the time of merging into the 
Gothic. It is the first unecclesiastical structure of that period 
ever built in the United States. The building compares favor- 




EMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

ably with the best examples of the styles, variously called the 
Norman, the Lombard, theEomanesque, and the Bj^zantine. 
The semi-circular arch still is used throughout in doors, win- 
dows, and other openings. The windows are without elabo- 
rately traceried heads. The weather mouldings consist of 
corbel courses with bold projections. It has towers of various 



180 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTIOJ^. 

sizes and shapes. The main entrance from the N., sheltered 
by a carriage porch, is between two towers of beautifully 
symmetrical proportions and unequal height. The general 
design consists of a main centre building, two stories high and 
two wings of a single story, connected by intervening ranges, 
each having a cloister on the N". with open stone screen. In 
the centre of the N^. side of the main building are two towers, 
the higher one 145 ft. On the S. is a single massive tower 37 
ft. square, including the buttress, and 91 ft. high. On the 
NE. corner is a double campanile 17 ft. square and 117 ft. to 
the top of its finial. At the SW. corner is an octagonal tower 
finished with open work in the upper portions. At the SW. 
and NW. corners are two smaller towers. There are 9 tow- 
ers in all, including the small ones at each wing. 

The extreme length of the building from E . to W., includ- 
ing the porch of the E. wing, is 447 ft. The breadth of the 
centre of the main building and towers, including carriage 
porch, is 1(50 ft. The E. wing is 82 by 52 ft., and 42 J ft. high 
to the top of its battlement. The W. wing, inclusive of its 
projecting apsis, is 84 by 40 ft., and 38 ft. high. Each con- 
necting range, inclusive of cloister, is 60 by 49 ft. The main 
building is 205 by 57 ft. and to the top of the corbel com-ses 
58 ft. high. 

The material used is a variety of freestone found in the new 
red sandstone formation, about 23 m. distant from Washing- 
ton, in the vicinity of the point where Seneca creek empties 
into the Potomac river. It is the same, though brought from 
a different locality, as that used in the construction of Trinity 
church of 'New York citJ^ The building throughout is con- 
structed in the most durable manner. The foundation walls 
vary from 12 to 8 ft. at the base to 5 ft. at the top. The walls 
of the main building, above the water table, are 2 J ft. for the 
first story, and 2 ft. for the second, exclusive of "buttresses, 
corbel courses, and otlier exterior projections, and exclusive 
of the interior lining of brick. The walls of the wings are 2 
ft. thick. Groined arches are turned under the central, the 
campanile, and octagonal towers, and towers of the W. wing. 
The copings, cornices, battlements, window jambs, mullions, 
sills, and all stone work, is held by iron clamps leaded. The 
face of the building is finished in ashlar, laid in courses 10 to 
15 in. in height, and with an average bed of 9 in. The whole 
of the centre building is fireproof, and the two wings and 
ranges practically so. The roofs are of slate laid on iron. 

The Smithsonian Institution proper has two chief lines of 
action : I. To stimulate the preparation of original works in 
general and special science: to publish and to distribute them 
Judiciously and promptly to all the scientific centres of the 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 181 

world, through a system of international exchanges, now the 
most complete on the globe. The Institution also distributes 
abroad, free of expense, the publications of scientific and 
historical societies when sent to tliem. It lias ten agents of 
its own, and is in correspondence witli 2,400 institutions 
abroad. The publications of the Smithsonian are the " Con- 
tributions to Knowledge," "Miscellaneous," and "Annual 
Reports" — tlie latter to Congress. 

II. Meteorological investigations. Tliese have been pros- 
ecuted over a quarter of a centurj^, and reports are now re- 
ceived from over 600 stations, in all parts of the Western 
Hemisphere. The observations relate solely to the general 
laws of climatology of the continent. The Institution has 
also patronized and aided the cause of science and explora- 
tion, both in tlie elforts of the Government and private indi- 
viduals. It lias also co-operated with the other departments 
of the Government. Its valuable library has been incorpo- 
rated with that of Congress. The extensive herbarium, on 
condition of approving the botanist in charge, has been 
transferred to the Department of Agriculture, and all the 
crania and other osteological specimens to the Army Medical 
Museum. In return, from the latter it receives from the 
officers of the army all collections made in ethnologj'^ and in 
special branches of natural llistor3^ 

National Museum, — ( Open every day., except Sunday, from 
9 a. m. to 4 p. 7n.) — This national collection is in the charge of 
the Smithsonian Institution, though it is supported by the 
United States. Its origin was under the act establishing that 
Institution, and its head is the Secretary, Professor Joseph 
Henry, though the active supervision has been assigned by 
liim to Prof. "Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary. 

With the limited means at command, it was found imprac- 
ticable to expect an extensive general museum. The elforts 
of the manager of that offshoot of the Institution, therefore, 
were directed to the accumulation of material from the Amer- 
ican continent. The act of organization contributed, as the 
foundation of the museum, the collections of specimens 
brought back by the United States exploring expedition to the 
Soutiiern Hemisphere, under Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes, originally deposited in the Patent Office. It was trans- 
ferred to the Institution in 1858. Since that time the collec- 
tion has been increased by the type specimens from upwards 
of fifty subsequent ex])editions of the General Government, 
and contributions resulting fi'om the operations of the Insti- 
tution, besides a large number of donations from individuals. 
The articles represent all parts of the globe and every branch 



182 SMITHSONIAN INSTITIiTION. 

of natural history. The collection of the larger ]!»I"oFth Amer?* 
lean and European mammals, both skins and skeletons, is the 
most complete in the United States. In ethnological speci- 
mens of this continent it surpasses anything in the world. In 
other respects it ranks favorably with the collections of the 
Philadelpliia Academy of Natural Sciences and the Cambridge 
Museum. 

The collections of tlie Museum are undergoing rearrange- 
ment, occasioned by the fitting up of the hall on the second 
floor. The arrangement contemplated is the exclusive use of 
the lower main hall for the zoological department. The Gothic 
hall containing ethnological specimens to economical geol- 
ogy, and the W. hall to mineralogy and geology. The latter 
is now finally arranged. In the space on either side of the 
entrance, at the foot of the stairways, will be placed a large 
and valuable collection of plaster casts of the food fishes of 
the United States, made under the direction of Prof . S. F. 
Baird, United States Fish Commissioner. The second floor, 
now being fitted with cases, will contain the extraordinarily 
large etlmological collection relating to the native tribes of 
N"orth America, ancient and modern, and the ricli store of 
specimens of tlie same character, from tlie Feejee, Samoan, 
Viti, and Sandwich Islands, at the time of the visit of the 
Wilkes exploring expedition. 

Main Hall.— This hall is 200 ft. long, 50 ft. wide, and 25 ft. 
high. The ceiling is supported on two rows of columns. 
Ai'ound the hall, against tlie railings of the galleries, are the 
heads, complete or skeleton, of various larger animals. That 
at the W. end is of a buff'alo, an excellent specimen. Opposite 
the entrance is tlie Register^ in which visitors are requested 
to record their names. ISTear by, on the r., is a specimen pf 
the great auk killed on tlie island of Eldey, near Iceland, in 
1834, believed to be extinct, not having been seen alive since 
1844. Owing to its short wings, it was incapable of flight. 
But two other specimens of the bird, and but one other of the 
Qgg^^ is in the United States. 

Commencing on the 1. of the main entrance, the first case 
contains carniverous animals, the next two birds of foreign 
countries, two of birds of l^Torth America, and one of foreign 
countries. The table cases between contain shells, and the 
wall cases skeletons and alcoholic specimens. The table 
cases in the centre of the room are filled with a fine collec- 
tion of birds' nests and eggs. In the lower part of the first 
are specimens of ostrich eggs, and a cast of the egg of the 
giant fossil bird of Madagascar. The end wall cases are 
empty, but will, in the rearrangement of the museum, be 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 183 

filled with zoological specimens. In tiie S. range ot cases 
the first two contain birds of North America, tlie next three 
of foreign countries, and the last seals, fish, and alligators. 
The table cases between are devoted to shells, and those 
against the wall to alcoholic specimens. The cases in the 
galleries of the E. part of the Hall contain skeletons of birds. 

In the W. half of the Hall, resuming the S. range of cases, 
the first contains mammals, including a musk ox, female 
qhimpanzee, and a cast of a gorilla's head, the next two 
mammals, and the rest corals. The table cases between ex- 
hibit ethnological and those against the wall ethnological 
and alcoholic specimens. 

In one of the recesses in the S. range, in a large jar, is a 
specimen of the devil Jish from California. When expanded, 
it measures 8 ft. in diameter. Its shape is that of a star with 
eight points. In another recess on the same side are exhibi- 
tions of beaver cuttings. 

On the r., entering the main N. door, the first case contains 
mammals, embracing the deer and antelope families. Here 
are excellent specimens of the Kocky Mountain sheep and 
goat. The next embraces birds of North America, and the 
remaining four on the same side birds of foreign countries. 
The table cases between contain ethnological and the wall 
alcoholic specimens. 

The first table case in the centre of the W. portion of the 
Hall is devoted to shells above and shells of turtles below. 
In the second are ethnological specimens relating to the 
American Indians. On the E. end of this case is the head 
of a Peruvian chief, compressed by an unknown method, 
very rare. 

In the gallery cases are birds and ethnological specimens. 
Against the W. wall, is a case of fish casts and three of 
birds. We here enter the 

Gothic Hall. — This Hall receives its name from the style of 
architecture used, and contains ethnological specimens and 
relics, and other articles of historic interest. It is proposed 
during the present year to make a general rearrangement of 
the collections of the National Museum. This Hall will then 
be assigned to economic geology. The portrait over the W. 
door represents General Washington, painted by the elder 
Peale. The painting was shipped to Europe and captured 
by a French privateer, taken to France, where it was pur- 
chased and returned to the United States, and ultimately 
came into the possession of the National Institute. 

In the N. range are the collections representing the Ameri- 



184 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

can Indians and Esquimaux of Greenland. In the wall case 
on the W. is the suit and rifle used by Dr. Kane in his Arctic 
exploration ; also the shot gun and rifle used by Captain Hall, 
and rifle of Esquimaux Joe. 

On the S. are the collections relating to China, Japan, Mus- 
cat, and Siam. 

In the E. table case are a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of historical interest. Among these is a fine collection 
of medals awarded to military and naval officers of the Revo- 
lution and subsequent wars ; copies of roj^al seals of gold and 
silver, presented by William Blackmore, of London; a few 
odd specimens of the Denon and American medals destroyed 
in the fire at the Library of the United States ; locks of hair 
of Presidents of the United States; the razor of Captam 
Cook, the navigator; one of the bolts to which Columbus 
was chained ; part of the machinery of the first steamboat 
built by James Rumsey, of Shepherdstown, Va., 1786; Chi- 
nese paper money, Japanese manuscript, an interesting 
specimen of handwriting in Greek, arranged in book form; 
and treaties with Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Prussia, 
France, Russia, and England, and the seal of the United 
States. Among the treaties is the first between France and 
the United States, 1778, and Bonaparte, 1st Consul, 1803. In 
the same case below is an assortment of old arms from the 
Malayan Peninsula and China ; also arms of historical inter- 
est. 

On the W. table case is a collection illustrating the pre-his- 
toric period in Europe, embracing man of the drift, reindeer, 
lake dwelling, and shell heap period, down to that of chipped 
and polished stone implements. Among the interesting fea- 
tures of this period are specimens relating to the lake-dwell- 
ing period in Switzerland, and breccia of the reindeer period 
in England ; also, a model of Stonehenge, in that country ; 
also, bones from Patagonia, and Indian implements. In the 
same case below are a number of relics of the Franklin, Fro- 
bisher, Kane, and Hall IsTorth Polar expeditions. 

At the end of the hall is an original tablet containing a high 
order of Mexican hieroglyphics. Beyond the Gothicls the 

West Hall, a fine, well lighted apartment, and assigned to 
the mineral ogical cabinet of the ifational Museum, divided 
into four sections : 

I. General Mineralogical Collection^ occupying the S. and 
the S. end of the E. walls. This embraces 300 species of 
minerals from all parts of the world, and contains many very 
beautiful specimens. 

II. General Lithological Collection^ occupying the entire 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 185 

W. wall, and composed mainly of specimens brought back by 
the various Government exploring- expeditions within the 
United States and W. of the Mississippi river, and also sev- 
eral European series. 

III. Ore Collection^ on the N. end of the E. wall, and em- 
bracing ores from a large number of lodes in the Western 
States and Territories. It is proposed to obtain for this col- 
lection a specimen of every worked lode W. of the Mississippi, 
whicli would then be valuable as a means of comparing ores, 

IV. Metallurgical Collection^ in tlie center of the E. wall, 
embraces ores, slags, raw and commercial products, present- 
ing the various interests of this character in the United 
States and foreign countries. 

Against the N. wall, E. side, is a case containing an inter- 
esting collection of geyserites from the National Park on the 
Yellowstone, gathered by the Hayden Exploring Expedi- 
tion. It is the best and. most valaable series of tlie kind in 
existence. At the S. end of the hall, the table case contains 
the Polaris Collection^ made by Dr. Emil Bessels during the 
United States North Polar Expedition, 1870-73. All the 
specimens were gathered above 80^ jS". latitude. The ham- 
mer and piece of powder canister belonged to Capt. Parry's 
Expedition in 1821. He lost his ships on Fury Beach. The 
next table case on the N. contains stalactites and a very fine 
specimen of sulphur from Sicily. The third table contains 
minerals from different foreign countries. 

In the centre of the hall is a large group of mineral speci- 
mens, including the Irwin-ainsa Meteorite^ from Tucson, Ari- 
zona, weighing 1,400 lbs. It is of ring shape, and measures 
49 in. in exterior diameter, and 27 in. in opening. The thickest 
part is 17 in. wide. A large mass of native copper from On- 
tonagon, Lake Superior, in early days used by the Indians 
as a sacrificial altar, and estimated to M'cigh over 3,000 lbs. 
The Couch Meteorite,' iound by Lieut. D. N. Couch, LTnited 
States Army, in Coahuila, Northern Mexico, and weighing 
250 lbs. It was used as an anvil. The rest of the same 
gi'oup is made up of coals, fossil woods from the Rocky 
Mountains, cinnabar from California, and stalactites and 
other interesting specimens from different parts. 

A card explaining the system of labelling will ])e foimd in 
the hall. The arrangement of the collecition was made by 
Dr. F. M. Endlicli, of Penn., mineralogist of the Institution. 

Returning to the main hall, opposite the main N. entrance, 
Is the 

S. Vestibule, which contains a number of foreign anti- 
quities. In the centre is the marble Sarcophagus, brought 



186 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

to the United States on the frigate Constitution by Commo- 
dore Jesse D. Elliott, in 1839, from Beirut, Syria. It was 
originally the repository of the remains of the Roman Em- 
peror Alexander Severns. The Sarcophagus was intended 
for the tomb of General Andrew Jackson, and for that pur- 
pose it was offered in 1845 by Commodore Elliott, but the 
General replied: "I cannot consent that my mortal body 
shall be laid in a repository prepared for an emperor or a 
king ; my republican feelings and principles forbid it ; the 
simplicity of our system of government forbids it. Every 
monument erected to perpetuate the memory of our heroes 
and statesmen ought to bear evidence of the economy and sim- 
plicity of our republican institutions, and the plainness of our 
republican citizens, who are the sovereigns of our glorious 
Union, and whose virtue is to perpetuate it." 

The small marble tablet is from the temple erected by 
Miltiades on the plains of Marathon, in honor of his victory 
over the Persians, 490 B. C. 

In the collection of idols from Central America, the largest, 
curved in black basalt, and that with a Sphinx-lilie head-dress, 
are from the island of Momotombita, in Lake Manaqua. One 
of the others was used by the Indians of the Pueblo of Sub- 
tiava, and two are from the island of Zapatero, in Lake 
Mcaraugua, once the site of the greatest of all the temples 
of the aboriginal people. There are also a cast of an ancient 
carved stone at Palenque Chiapas, Mexico, the hieroglyphics 
of which have not yet been fully read, and a plank and speci- 
men of bark from the giant redwood tree of California. The 
plank is 12 ft. long and 6| ft. wide. 

Leaving the main hall by the 2^. door, the double flight of 
steps lead to the Ethnological Hall^ on the second floor, being 
fitted up with walnut cases for the display of the Ethnologi- 
cal collections of the museum. This hall is of the same di- 
mensions as that on the first floor. In the centre is a cast of 
the extinct megatherium, found at Buenos Ayres, the largest 
type of the sloth family of the pre-historic age. It is sur- 
rounded by an iron railing with cappings of the existing 
types of the same family. On the E. is a cast of a glypto- 
don, now extinct, the largest representative of the armadillo 
family. In a corresponding position on the W. is the cast of 
a giant turtle found in the Himalaj^a mountains. In the hall, 
temporarily, are specimens of the extinct Irish elk, a skeleton, 
and a cast of the animal restored, a buffalo and two skeletons, 
a moose and one skeleton, a tapir and two skeletons, a gnu, 
deer, and reindeer, and skeletons of a camel and Rocky- 
mountain sheep. Also other animals, and varieties of sharks, 
sword and torpedo fish, and walrus. Also two kyacks. 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 187 

Secretaries of the Smithsomoii Institution. — 184G, Joseph 
Henry. 

History. — The orighial fund which led to the foundation 
of the Smithsonian Institution was the bequest of James 
Smithson, of England, amounting to $515,169. The founder 
belonged to one of the best families of England. He wa& 
the son of Hugh, first Duke of Northumberland, and Eliza- 
beth, heiress of Hungerfords of Audley and niece of Charles 
the Proud, Duke of Somerset. He was a native of London^ 
was educated at Oxford, and took an honorary degree there 
in 1786. At the university he was known as James Lewis 
Macie, and a few years after leaving took that of Smithson, 
the family name of the Northumberlands. His life was 
mostly spent on the continent of Europe, where he died at 
Genoa in 1828. He was particularly known to the scientific 
world as a skillful chemist, mineralogist, and geologist, on 
each of which subjects he contributed valuable papers. He 
was never married, and hence devoted his entire life to the 
cultivation of his taste for knowledge. He held a high ap- 
preciation of mental endowments,' usefully applied, and 
claimed that though in his veins coursed the best blood of 
England his name would outlive that of his ancestors, who 
possessed inherited titles and honors only. It is stated that 
at one time he contemplated leaving his money to the Eoyal 
Society of London, but owing to a disagreement vested it in 
his nephew, Henry .James Hungerford, for life, after which 
it was to go to the United States of America "''to found,, at 
Washingto?i, under the name of the Smithsonian Institidiony 
an estahlishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge 
among men.'''' The Government of the United States, by act 
of Congress of July 1, 1836, accepted the bequest. In the 
same year Richard Rush, of Pennsjdvania, who had been 
Minister of the United States at the court of King George 
IV, from 1817 to 1825, was designated Commissioner to as- 
sert and prosecute the claim of the United States to the 
legacy. Having obtained tlie available amount of the be- 
quest he brought it to the United States. It was deposited 
in the Treasury of the United States and invested. 

The permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the 
United States, including the original bequest, residuary 
legacy, and savings, and bearing 6 per cent, interest, paya- 
ble semi-annually in coin, is $650,000. In addition to this, 
out of the savings, $450,000 were expended in the erection of 
a building. The expenses of the Institution are paid out of 
the income from the permanent fund, and the National Mu- 
seum by appropriations by Congress. 



188 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

The Institution was legally constituted by act of Congress 
dated August 10, 1846. The administration of affairs was 
intrusted to a Board of Kegents, wiio elected, a Secretary, 
charged with the management of the business under their 
direction. 

The corner-stone of the building was laid May 1, 1847. 
President Polk and his Cabinet and a lai-ge number of citi- 
zens and strangers were present on the occasion. The cere- 
mony was conducted by the fraternity of Masons, the Grand 
Master in charge wearing the apron presented by the Grand 
Lodge of France to Washington through Lafayette. The 
gavel employed was that used by Washington upon the lay- 
ing of the corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States. 
The orator of the day was the Hon. George M. Dallas, of 
Pennsylvania. The building was not entirely completed till 
1856, and at a cost of $450,000. 

The first use of the main hall on the ground floor was for 
an exhibition given by the Mechanics' Institute of Wasliing- 
ton in 1856. The next year the building was regularly occu- 
pied, by the transfer to it of the Government collections in 
the Patent Office, as provided by the act of organization, and 
which previously liad belonged to the National Institute for 
the Promotion of Science, founded in 1842. On the 24th of 
Jan., 1865, the Institution suffered a serious calamity, in the 
destruction of all the flammable material of the upper portion 
of the main building and towers by fire. Tlie losses were of 
a character, in many instances, which could not be replaced, 
and included the official, scientific, and miscellaneous corre- 
spondence, record-books, and manuscripts in the Secretary's 
office, apparatus, j9er50?i«Z effects of Smithson^ tools and instru- 
ments, all duplicate copies of Smithsonian reports on hand 
for distribution, and the wood-cuts of illustrations used in the 
Smithsonian publications ; also all of a gallery of Indian por- 
traits, and other private property. The operations of the 
Institution, however, were not impaired, and the destroyed 
parts of the building were restored in their present fire-proof 
condition. There was a long controversy as to the policy of 
the Institution. The Government party favored a national 
library, to contain all the trashy productions of the day. This 
the scientific party warded oft\ and devoted themselves to 
works in keeping with the spirit of the bequest. A general 
museum was also to be formed. This was probably a less 
practicable enterprise than the former. Capital and income 
combined were not sufficient to make anything worthy of 
the name. The foundation of a gallery of art also on the 
means of the Institution was an absurdity. A few plaster 
casts and pictures, without any claims to the notice of an in- 



CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 189 

telligent student or admirer of aii, were accumulated, and 
fortunately for the reputation of tiie Institution, were de- 
stroyed ill the fire of 1865. 

In 1866, by act of Congress, the library of the Institution, 
comprising a large and valuable collection of scientific works 
and transactions of societies in all parts of tlie world, was 
transferred to the Library of the United States. 

The free lectures, originally contemplated prior to 1865, 
were patronized with more or less ardor, but their novelty 
soon languished. After 1865 they were finally abandoned, 
and assistance rendered to an association of citizens. 

With the progress of time the Smithsonian Institution has 
become a kind of central head with reference to communi- 
cation with the scientific institutions and societies of other 
countries. 



COECORAI^ GALLERY OF ART. 

The Gallery is open Mondays^ Wednesdays^ and FridaySj 
admission 25 c; Tuesdays, Thursdays^ and Saturdays^ free; 
hours, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.from October to April, and 10 a. m. 
to 6 p.m. from April to October. The building stands on the 
NE. corner of Pennsylvania av. and 17th st.^ and was com- 
menced in 1859. From 1861 to 1869 it was occupied by the 
Quartermaster General of the United States Army, for which 
compensation was in part allowed. 

It is in the renaissance style, and has a frontage of 104 ft. on 
Pennsjdvania av., and 124^ ft. on 17th st. The exterior is 
constructed of brick, witli facings, trimmings, and ornaments 
of Belleville freestone. The front on Pennsylvania av. is 
divided into a central pavilion, with a curtain on either side, 
and flanlved by two other pavilions, one on either corner, 
and divided into two stories. Tlie central pavilion has ver- 
miculated quoins in the corner, and these inclose tlie grand 
entrance door with a carved jamb and arch, overtopped with 
fierce tigers' heads, in relievo. The anticom of the first story 
is simple in design and detail, and at the same time corre- 
sponds with the massiveness of the quoins at the corners of 
the building. 

The second story of the central pavilion consists of an 
arched recess. The span between the import and the suffit 
of the arch is filled with decorations, and contains the mono- 
gram of the founder, surrounded with carved wreaths and 
enscroUments. Just beneath this there is a palladium win- 



190 CORCORAN GALLERY OF Aftr. 

(low, with fluted pilasters and columns and capitals, express- 
ing American foliage, exquisitively carved. In the arch are 
two \\Teaths, encircling various implements of painting and 
sculpture. 

The central pavilion is flanked on either side by two fluted 
columns, with capitals representing the broad leaves and 
fruit of the cornstalk. These support an entablature, ou 
which are trophies, representing the Arts, on the frieze of 
the central paviliou ; and on this are inscribed the words, 
*' Dedicated to Art." The cornice over this has a pediment, 
in the tympanum of which is a bass relief, representing the 
Genius of Painting, surrounded by figures emblematical of 
the sister arts. 

The entire structure is surrounded by an imposing Man- 
sai-d roof, slated, and carried 10 ft. higher than the ordinary 
roof of the building. The architects were James Eenwick, 
Jr., and E . T. Auchmuty, of N. Y. The cost of the building 
was $150,000. 

The entrance is on Pennsylvania av., and opens into a ves- 
tibule 25 ft. by 28 ft., from which lead the broad stairs to the 
second story. ' These stairs are of freestone, 10 ft. wide. On 
each side are passages 8^ ft. wide, and leading to the sculp- 
ture hall. The stairs and lialls are lighted by two courts. 
' The vestibule to the sculpture hall is 19 ft. wide by 28 ft. 
long, with two spacious bay windows at the ends. The 
sculpture hall itself is 96| ft. long by 25 ft. wide, and is 
amply lighted by 10 windows. 

The janitor's apartments are on the r. of the main vesti- 
bule, and just behind them, and connecting with the main 
sculpture hall, are two rooms, one 19 ft. by 43| ft., the other 
19 ft. square. These rooms can be used for a school of de- 
sign, which it is proposed to establish. 

On the 1. of the vestibule is the trustees' room, 25 ft. by 33 
ft., and adjoining is the library, 20 ft. by 65 ft. These gal- 
leries are connected by spacious arched doors. 

The picture galleries are on the second floor. The main 
stairs open into a hall 28 ft. wide by 42| ft. long, on either 
side of which are small galleries. The grand picture gallery, 
entered at the head of the stairs, is 45 ft. wide by 96 ft. long. 
There are three small galleries fronting on Pennsylvania av., 
the centre one, being an octagon, is 25 ft. The other two 
are 25 ft. by 32 ft. lii the rear of these, and extending along 
the sides of the building, are two galleries, 19J ft. by 43i ft. 

All these galleries are lighted by sky-lights, and are so ar- 
ranged that the quantity can be regulated as desired. These 
galleries are connected with each other by lofty arclied doors, 
thus aftbrding a continuous passage around the floor. The 



CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 191 

cornices and ceilings of the various galleries are enriched 
with panel ornaments and moldings representing American 
foliage. The floors are laid on brick arches, which rest on 
h'on girders. 

The building was formally conveyed hy the donor, W. W. 
Corcoran, Esq., of Wasliington, to a board of trustees in 
1869, wlio were incorporated in 1870. 

The basis of the collection of paintings and statuary is the 
rare and valuable private gallery of Mr.' Corcoran, which cost 
upwards of $100,000. The collections comprise — 

In Statuarj/, Powers' Greek Slave, in the octagon room, 
second floor, fltted up with reference to the special exhibition 
of this very superior work of art. In tlie same room are 
busts of celebrated men, and other objects of interest. 

In Bronzes^ on the first floor, two thirds of all the bronzes 
produced by Barye, numbering about 70 pieces. 

In Antiquities^ reproductions of vases, cups, dishes, &c., 
discovered in an excavation made at Hildersheim on the site 
of a former Roman camp. 

Of the Paintings^ in the grand hall on the second floor, of 
the private collection of Mr. Corcoran, donated to tJie gallery, 
may be mentioned, "The Adoration of the Sliepherds," by 
Mengs, from the collection of Joseph Bonaparte ; " Tlie Flag- 
ellation of Christ," attributed to Van Dyke; an unknown 
Flemish picture, "Ora et Labora," dated 1619; ''The Vil- 
lage Doctor," by Vennemen ; "The Happy and Unhappy 
Families," by Brackaleer; a small Madonna and child, sup- 
posed to be b}^ Murillo ; a beautiful representation of a storm, 
castle on a promontoiy, fishermen puzzled over their nets, by 
Joseph Vernet ; copy of Bega's " Child and Nurse ; " a paint- 
ing by George Moriand, representing a countryman coming 
home at sunset; "Shalvspeare and His Friends," b}"^ Faed; 
"Mercy's Dream," by Huntingdon; "The Hudson in Au- 
tumn," by Doughty ; "The Departure and tlie Return," by. 
Cole, very superior ; " The Amazon," by Leutze ; " Milton," 
(playing tlie organ to Cromwell and his familj',) by Leutze ; 
" The Huguenot's Daughter," by ^Vashington ; " Moonrise at 
Madeira," by Hildebrandt, painted for Mr. Corcoran through 
the instrumentality of Baron v. Humboldt ; a " AVinter Scene," 
by Gignoux ; portraits of Washington, after Gilbert Stuart, 
and Lafayette, by Sully ; Lasteyrie, by Rembrandt Teale ; 
Thomas Sully, the artist, by himself ; Baron Humboldt, by 
Madame Richards, and Henry Clay, by Inman. 

Among the paintings added by purchase are, "The Death 
of Caesar," by Jerome; "Comte de Wirtemberg Weeping 
over the Body of his Son," by Ary Sheff'er, (the original;) 
*' Spring" and "Twilight, landscapes, by Japy, (Louis;) 



192 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

"La puLt qui parle," by Vely ; " Spring Flowers," by Jean- 
nin; "Lost Dogs," by Von Thoren; "Two Flowers," by 
Conder ; " Sunset," by Breton ; " Effect of Snow," by Breton; 
"The Drought in Egypt," by Portael, which won the prize 
gold medal in the competition of 1873 at the Crystal Palace. 

Opposite the main door of the picture gallery is a fine life- 
size portrait of Mr. Corcoran at 69 years of age, founder of 
the Institution, painted by Charles Elliott in 1867. 

Ml*. Corcoran was born in Greorgetown, in 1798, and re- 
ceived his education there. He began business as an auction- 
eer and commission merchant. In 1837 he became a banker in 
Washington. In 1840 he became associated with George W. 
Riggs, and retired from business in 1854. Mr. Corcoran still 
enjoys excellent health. 

Among the interesting objects ordered are plaster copies of 
about two-thirds of the Elgin marbles in the British Museum ; 
a collection of porcelain and Fayance manufacture ; copies of 
the Baptistry Gates at Florence ; and antiques being cast in 
plaster in Paris and Rome. 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

This long-neglected tribute to the life and character of 
George Washington, occupies a conspicuous site on a small 
plateau near the banks of the Potomac, W. of the Mall, where 
the Tiber formerly emptied into the main stream, and S. of 
the President's House. 

The Monument Grounds^ or Park^ as originally designated, 
have an area of 45 a. An avenue 69 ft wide connects Execu- 
tive av. witli the Drive which, leaving the lake on the 1., fol- 
lows the line of the river bank, winds around the Monument, 
and communicates with the grounds of the Department of 
Agriculture at 14th st. W. A short distance W. of the Mon- 
ument ma}^ be seen the stone which marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia. On the hillside to the S. are the Gov- 
ernment Propagating Garden and Nursery. 

The Design. — The design of the Monument, prepared by 
Robert Mills, comprehends an appropriate National testimo- 
nial to the services of the great citizen in whose honor it was 
founded, and at the same time symbolizes the Republic estab- 
lished by his patriotism and discretion. It embraces the idea 
of a grand circular colonnaded building, 250 ft, in diameter. 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 



193 




WASHINGTON MONUMENT. 



and 100 ft. high, from which springs an 
obelisk shaft 70 ft. at the base and 500 
ft. high. 

The vast rotunda, forming the grand 
base of the monument, is surrounded by 
30 columns of massive proportions, be- 
ing 12 ft. in diameter and 45 ft. high, 
elevated upon a lofty base or stylobate 
of 20 ft. elevation and 300 ft. square, 
surmounted by an entablature 20 ft. 
high, and crowned by a massive balus- 
trade 15 ft. in height. 

The terrace outside of the colonnade 
is 25 ft. wide, and the pronaos or walk 
within the colonnade, including the col- 
umn space, 25 ft. The walks inclosing 
the cella, or gallery within, are fretted 
with 30 massive pilasters 10 ft. wide, 45 
ft. high, and 7} ft. projection, answer- 
ing to the columns in front, surmounted 
by their appropriate architrave. The 
deep recesses formed by the projection 
of the pilasters provide suitable niches for the reception of 
statues. 

. A tetrastyle portico, (four columns in front,) in triple rows 
of the same proportions and order with the columns of the 
colonnade, distinguishes the entrance to the monument, and 
serves as a pedestal for the triumphal car and statue of the 
illustrious chief. The steps to this portico are flanked by 
massive blockings, surmounted by appropriate figures and 
trophies. 

Over each column, in the great frieze of the entablatures, 
around the entire building, are sculptured escutcheons, (coats 
of arms of each State in the Union,) surrounded by bronze 
civic wreaths, banded together by festoons of oak leaves, &c., 
all of wliich spring (each way) from the centre of the portico, 
where the coat of arms of the United States is emblazoned. 

The statues surrounding the rotunda outside, under the 
colonnade, are all elevated upon pedestals, and will be those 
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Ascending the portico outside to the terrace level a lofty 
vomitoria, (doorway,) 30 ft. high, leads into the cella, (rotunda 
gallery,) 50 ft. wide, 500 ft. in circumference, and 68 ft. high, 
witli a colossal pillar in the centre 70 ft. in diameter, around 
which the gallery sweeps. This pillar forms the foundation 
of the obelisk column above. 
Both sides of the gallery are divided into spaces by pilas- 
13 



194 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

ters, elevated on a continued zocle or base 5 ft. high, forming 
an order, with its entablature, 40 ft., crowned by a vaulted 
ceiling 20 ft., divided by radiating archevaults corresponding 
with the relative positions of the opposing pilasters, and in- 
closing deep sunken coffers enriched with paintings. 

Tlie spaces between the pilasters are sunk into niches for 
the reception of the statues of the fathers of the Kevohition, 
contemporary with Washington; over which are large tablets 
to receive the national paintings commemorative of the bat- 
tles and other scenes of that memorable period. Opposite to 
the entrance of this gallery, at the extremity of the great cir- 
cular wall, is the grand niclie for the reception of the statue 
of the " Father of his Country," elevated on its appropriate 
pedestal, and designated as principal in the group by its co- 
lossal proportions. 

This spacious gallery and rotunda, which properly may be 
denominated the ''national Pantheon," is lighted in 4 grand 
divisions from above. 

Entering the centre pier through an arched way, you pass 
into a spacious circular area, and ascend with an easy grade, 
by a railway, to the grand terrace, 75 ft. above the base of the 
monument! This terrace is 700 ft. in circumference, 180 ft. 
wide, inclosed by a colonnade balustrade 15 ft. high, with its 
base and capping. The circuit of this grand terrace is studded 
with small temple-formed structures, constituting the cupolas 
of the lanterns, lighting the pantheon gallery below. 

Through the base of the great circle of the balustrade are 4 
apertures at the 4 cardinal points, leading outside of the bal- 
ustrade upon the top of the main cornice, where a gallery 6 
ft. wide and 750 ft. in circumference encircles the whole, in- 
closed by an ornamental guard, forming the crowning mem- 
ber on the top of the tholus of the main cornice of the grand 
colonnade. Within tlie thickness of tliis wall staircases de- 
scend to a lower gallery over tlie plafond of the pronaos of 
the colonnade, lighted from above. This gallery, which ex- 
tends around the colonnade, is 20 ft. wide, divided into rooms 
for the records of the monument, works of art, or studios for 
artists engaged in the service of the monument. Two other 
ways communicate with this gallery from below. 

In the centre of the grand terrace above described rises the 
lofty obelisk shaft of the monument, 70 ft. square atUiebase, 
and 500 ft. high, diminishing as it rises to its apex, where it 
is 40ft. square; at the foot of this shaft, and on each face, 
project 4 massive zocles 25 ft. high, supporting so many co- 
lossal symbolic tripods of victory 20 ft. high, surmounted by 
facial columns with their symbols of authority. These zocle 
faces are embellished with inscriptions, which are continued 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUxMENT. 195 

around the entire base of the shaft, and occupy the s'jrface of 
that part of the shaft between the tripods. On each face of 
tlie sliaft, above tliis, is sculptured tlie foui- leading- events in 
Washington's career in basso relievo^ and above this the shaft 
is perfectly plain to within 50 ft. of its summit, where a sim- 
ple star is placed, emblematic of the glory which the name of 
Washington has attained. 

To ascend to the summit of the column, the same facilities 
as below are provided within the shaft by an easy-graded gal- 
lery, which may be traversed by a radway terminating in a 
circular observatory 20 ft. in diameter, around which, at the 
top, is a lookout gallery which opens a prospect all around 
the horizon. 

The inner space, or that under the grand gallery or roiun- 
da, may be appropriated to catacombs for the reception of the 
remains of such distinguished men as the nation may honor 
with interment here. 

In the centre of the monument is placed the tomb of Wash- 
ington, to receive his remains, should they be removed thither, 
the descent to which is by a broad flight of steps, lighted by 
the same light which illumines his statue. 

Description. — In its present state the Monument is 174 ft. 
high. It rests on a solid foundation of Potomac gneiss rock, 
81 ft. square at the base, 8 feet below the surface, and 18 ft. 
above, narrowing to 60 ft. square. The base of the obelisk 
is 55 ft. square outside, the walls being 15 ft. thick, and 25 
ft. square inside. The outer surface consists of heavy blocks 
of crystal marble, from Maryland, laid in regular courses of 
about 2 ft., and backed to the required thickness by gneiss 
rock, as used in the foundation. The inside of the wall is 
perpendicular, while the outer surface gradually recedes. At 
the summit, when completed, the walls will have a thickness 
of but 2 ft. The interior will be provided with an iron stair- 
case. The tablets alreadj^ built in the interior walls are ar- 
ranged to correspond with the galleries of the proposed 
stairway. 

The Monument, as it now stands, cost $230,000, and was 
six years in building, when the funds ran out. The esti- 
mated cost of the obelisk is $550,000, and pantheon $570,000 
additional. Total, $1,120,000. 

The Monument completed woidd rank with the loftiest 
works of ancient or modern times, viz : Tower of Babel, 680 
ft. ; Washington Monument completed, 600 ft. ; Cologne 
Cathedral completed, 511 ft. ; Balbec, 500 ft. ; Pyramid of 
Cheops, 480 ft. ; Cathedral, Strasbourg, 474 ft. ; St. Peter's, 
Rome, 458 ft. ; St. Stephen, Vienna, 445 ft. ; Cathedi-al, Salis- 



196 ARMORY. 

bury, Engiaud, 406 ft. ; Cathedral, Antwerp, 405 ft. ; St 
Paul's Cathedral, London, 404 ft. ; Cathedral, Milan, 400 ft. 

Ihe Lapidarium.— In the low wooden building N"E. of the 
Monument may be seen the tablets intended for the interior 
of the Monument, to be placed the same as those already 
used. A keeper, who has charge of the keys, resides on the 
ground, and will exhibit tlie Monument and tablets, 81 in 
number, to visitors. 

Among the American contributions are a block of native 
copper, weighing 2,100 pounds, from Michigan, and 12 bricks 
from the birthplace of Washington. The contributions from 
abroad are from Mount Vesuvius ; Swiss Republic ; a block of 
granite from the Alexandrian Library, Egypt; China; Bre- 
men; Sultan of Turkey; the Temple of Carthage, Africa; 
ancient Egyptian liead; Governor and Commune of the 
Islands of Paros and ISTaxos ; Temple of Esculapius, island 
ofParos; Greek Government; and Japan. 

History. — Repeated attempts have been made to erect a 
suitable tribute to the memory of Washington. In 1783 the 
Continental Congress passed a resolution for a ]S'ational 
Monument. The site for the Monument, near the prese*at 
undertaking, w^as approved by Washington himself in the 
first plan of the city. In 1800 a bill passed in one House of 
Congress to erect a "mausoleum of American granite and 
marble in pyramidal form, 100 ft. square at the base, and of 
proportionate height." 

The Washington National Monument Association^ the name 
by which the association of distinguished gentlemen who 
projected the monument was known, w^as organized in 1835. 
The amount collected to 1848 was $230,000. The corner- 
stone was laid July 4, 1848, with Masonic ceremonies, and in 
Ihe presence of 4,000 people. Repeated eflbrts have since 
been made to effect its completion, but without success. 



ARMORY. 

This building stands on the SE. portion of the Mall, E. of 
the Smithsonian Institution, and fronts on 6th st. W. The 
main entrance is on the E., where a flight of steps leads to 
the drill-rooms on the second and third floors. 

The first floor is paved and arranged for artillery, there 
being: three suitable entrances on the N. and S. sides of the 



CHURCHES. 197 

building. Each floo.r is supported by 12 iron pillars, and la 
provided M'ith gun racks and cases for accoutrements. The 
building is about 103 by 57 ft. In 1853 Congress authorized 
the erection of the building, to be used for the care of ord- 
nance arms, accommodation of volunteers and military of tlie 
District of Columbia, and for the preservation of military 
trophies of the revolution and other wars. It was finished in 
1857. The building has long been out of use. It is proposed 
to place it in repair for the purposes for which it was origi- 
nally intended. 



CHUECHES. 



The capital possesses many church edifices which, in ar- 
chitectural display and dimensions, have kept pace with the 
growth of the population in numbers and affluence. The 
finest are the Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal, in whicli are 
also an interesting collection of relics from the Holy Land 
and memorial windows, First Congregational^ Neic-York 
Av, Presbyterian^ Epiphany Protestant Episcopal^ Foundry 
Methodist^ Calvary Baptist^ and St. Aloysins, Roman Catho- 
lic. Of the colored churches, tlie Fifteenth St. Presbyterian 
and Nineteenth St. Baptist are very fine structures. 

A list of leading churches and locations will be found in 
General Information. 

In 1794 the Washington Parish of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Church, to include the cities of Washington and George- 
town, was formed out of St. John's and Stl' Paul's Parishes. 
The parish of Christ Ciuu-ch was next created, and tlie 
church edifice near the Navy Yard was erected about 1800. 
For sixteen years it \^'as tlie only Episcopal place of worship 
in the city. It was attended by Jeflerson and Madison. Ser- 
\ices are still held in the same structure. The first Presby- 
terian church services Were held in 1793, in the carpenter 
shop used by the joiners at work on the President's House. 
The first Baptist church began worship in 1802, and com- 
menced a building on the corner of I and 19th sts. IsTW. in 
1803. The first Presbyterian church on F st. was established 
in 1803, services being first held in the hall of the Treasury 
building. In 1826 their new building was completed. St. 
Patrick's, Roman Catholic, was established in 1810. A 
Methodist church was erected near the Navy Yard in 1805, 
but meetings had been held in the city before. St. John's 
Episcopal Church, on the NE. corner of 16th and H sts. 



198 HALLS. 

NAV., opposite I^afayette Square, was erected in 1816, from 
designs by Latrobe, the architect of the Capitol. In 1820 it 
was enlarged, and its ''riginal form, a Greek cross, was 
changed to a Latin, and a portico and steeple added. Among 
those who attended services here were Presidents Madison, 
Monroe, and Jackson, and the diplomatic representatives of 
England. The first Unitarian church, on 6th and D sts. 
XW.. frontlno' on Louisiana av., was erected in 1824. 



HALLS. 



There are a number of halls in various parts of the city. 

Masonic Temple is on the NW. corner of F and 9th sts. 
NW., entrance on F st., and was erected by the Masonic Hall 
Association. The corner-stone was laid in 1868. The build- 
ing is of granite and Connecticut and IS'ova Scotia freestone, 
and cost $200,000. The two exposed faces are tastefully en- 
riched with an appropriate introduction of Masonic symbols. 
The ground-floor is occupied by stores, and the second by a 
public hall, 100 by 48 ft. and 25 ft. high, and retiring rooms. 
The hall has been the scene of sonie of the most brilliant 
balls and State sociables given at the capital. In the third 
story are the Blue Lodges of Masonry, and in the fourth the 
Roj^al Arch Chapters aiid Commanderies. The furniture and 
fittings of the lodges are of superior quality, and are unsur- 
passed in any similar place in the country. A lodge of Ma- 
sons was established in the earliest days of the capital. Prior 
to 1816 there were two which assembled in a building on the 
borders of the river. Under the pavement of the Temple, on 
the S. front, is what was formerly known as the City Spring. 

Odd Fellows' Hall, situated on 7th st. W., bet. D and E 
sts. The earlier building was dedicated in 1846, and erected 
out of funds subscribed by the lodges and members meeting 
in the central part of the city. It was remodeled in 1873. It 
has a granite base and pressed-brick superstructure, with gal- 
vanized-iron pilasters, jambs, caps, and cornice, and is sur- 
mounted by three domes, that in the centre raised above the 
others. The ground-floor is occupied by stores. The stair- 
way at the main enti-ance leads to the main hall, on the sec- 
ond floor. The hall is 100 by 40 ft. and 22 ft. high, and fitted 
with a stage of 21 ft. additional, at the E. end. It is princi- 
pally designed for balls, concerts, and lectures. Adjoining 



NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 199 

are ladies' retiring aud gentlemen's cloak-rooms. The third 
floor contains two lodge and one Encampment rooms. The 
Library^ on the same floor, for the use of members of the 
Order and their families, contains a fine collection of books. 
The first Lodge of tlie Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
was established in the District of Columbia in 1827 ; the 
Grand Lodge followed in 1828. 

Lincoln Hall. — This fine structure stands on the XE. cor- 
ner of 0th and D sts. NW. It is built of Seneca brownstone, 
with iron trimmings, is three stories high, surmounted by a 
Mansard roof. Tiie corner-stone on the SW. bears the in- 
striptiou, '' Y. M. 0. A., Xov. xxvii, mdccclxvii. Jeho- 
vah JiREH.'' The building was erected by a joint stock 
companj^ chartered by act of Congress in 1867, and was com- 
pleted in 18G9, at a cost of 8200,000. On the ground floor are 
stores. Tliere are two entran'ces to the upper floors : the main 
one to the Libraiy and Heading Room and Lincoln Hall on 
D St. ; the smaller, on 9th st. 

The Free Beading Boom and Library and the Parlors of the 
Association {open to tke public every day except Sunday^ from 
9 a. m. to I'd p. m.) are on the second floor under tlie Hall, en- 
trances on both sts. The Library contains about 17,000 vols., 
including the leading secular and religious newspapers of the 
country. The Washington City Library, founded in 1814, 
has been consolidated with it. 

On the same floor is Lincoln Hall., the finest lecture or con- 
cert hall in tlie city, which will seat about 1,300 people. 
During each winter a course of lectures is given under the 
auspices of the Association. In its scientific course, the As- 
sociation is aided by the Smithsonian Institution. In addition 
to Lincoln Hall there is a smaller hall, used for religious and 
social gatherings of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
which are held twice daily, at noon and 6 p. m. Open to all. 

Willard's Hall, on F st., between 14th and 15th sts. W., 
also aflbrds excellent accommodations for concerts or theatri- 
cals. 



NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 

The buildings OQQW^'xniX by two of the principal newspapers 
of tlie city will compare favorably in completeness, if not in 
size, witii the best structures of tlie kind in the country. 



200 NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 

The National Republican Printing Office stands on the SW. 
corner of Pennsylvania av. and 13th st. NW. It was designed 
by Henry K. Searle, of Washington, architect, and commeiiced 
in 1870. It measures 49 ft. front on tlie av. and 71 ft. depth 
on 13tli St. It has an elevation of 100 ft. above the basement 
to the top of the tower, and is divided into five stories, includ- 
ing- the French roof. It is built of point-dressed Seneca stone, 
from the Potomac, and rock-faced Ohio stone. The latter is 
used in the pilasters, belt, and sUl courses, window arches, 
and cornices. In front of the second and fourth stories, on 
Pennsylvania av., are two Ohio-stone balconies, 16 ft. wide, 
with a projection of 5 ft., supported by heavy stone brackets. 
The first story above the basement is built of solid alternate 
courses of Seneca and Ohio stone, and is topped with a heavj" 
Ohio stone cornice. The remaining stories to the cornice 
under the roof are Seneca stone, with Oliio stone trimmings. 
The arches of tlie windows of each story ditfer, the first, sec- 
ond, and third having segment heads of diff'erent patterns, 
and the fourth a half-circle. Surmounting the entire struc- 
ture is a modern double pitcli French roof, slated, and brol^en 
in towers, and dormer windows on each street. Below the 
roof is a cornice of galvanized iron, and above a cresting of 
the same material. Over tlie IST. dormer window is a clock, 
surmounted by a gilded eagle 16 ft. from tip to tip, and carry- 
ing in its beak a shield, upon which is the monogram IST. K. 
There is a flag staff of 60 ft. on the roof. 

There are entrances reached by granite steps on both streets. 
The building is fitted up with every convenience for tlie em- 
ployees, is supplied with hydrants and fire-cocks on every 
floor, and is heated by steam. The lower stories are fire-proof. 

The Clironicle Building is situated on Pennsylvania av., S. 
side, N'o. 914, between 9th and 10th sts. W. It was erected 
in 1873, from designs by T. M. Plowman ; has a frontage of 
25 ft. and depth of 107 ft. to C st., with a basement and su- 
perstructure of 5 stories. The front is of iron, faced with 
columns. Presses are on the first floor, editorial rooms on 
the second. Job office on the third, bindery fourth, and com- 
posing-room on the fifth. The ofiSce possesses all the latest 
improvements of an establishment of the kind. 

The Evening Star newspaper company have also in con- 
templation the erection of a fine building'in a desirable local- 
ity on Pennsylvania av. in the central part of the cit_y._ The 
selection of a site has been under consideration, and it is pro- 
posed to erect a building which, in exterior proportions and 
design, will be an ornament to the city, and its Interior ar- 
rangement one of the most complete printing offices in the 
country. 



INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING. 201 



UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES. 

The public institutions of the national Capital aftbrd uu- 
dvaled facilities for professional and collegiate education. 




NATIONAL MEDICAL COLLEGE. 

The National Medical College of the Columbian University. 
on H St., between 18th and 14th sts. N. W., was founded in 
1824. The buildino- was the o-ift of W. W. Corcoran, 1864, 
cost $40,000, was ori,:;inally intended for a ineclianics' library 
and lectures, contains two lecture rooms^ with aute rooms, 
•chemical laboratory, and dissecting room. In wintei* the jan- 
itor will admit visitors. The Dispensary is open dail.y, except 
Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. m., to the poor. The Law Depart- 
ment, Columbian University, established 1826, occupies a 
buildino- on 5tli St., betweeii D and E sts. N. W. 

The Medical and Law Departments of Georgctoicn College, 
respectively established in 1851 and 1870, occupy buildings 
on the corner of 10th and E sts. and F between 9th and 10th 
sts. N. W. In the former is the Central Dispensary., open 
daily, except Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. m. 

liie Gonzaga College, on I, between ISTorth Capitol and 
1st sts. iST. W.*, was founded in 1848 as the Washington Sem- 
inary, and incorporated as a university in 1858. It is con- 
ducted by the fathers of the Society of Jesus, for day scholars 
only. 



202 



SCHOOLS. 



SCHOOLS. 



The Public Schools are among the prominent features of tlie 
N'ational Capital. Of the buildings are tlie Franklin^ 1st dis- 
trict, cor. 13th and K sts. XW., brick, 148 X 79 ft., basement 
and three stoi4es, erected in 1869, and contains 14 school-rooms. 
This is said to be one of tlie finest scliool buildings in the Uni- 
ted States. The Seaton^ 2d district, on I, bet. 2d and 3d sts. 
NW.. brick, 94 X 67 feet, basement and 3 stories, erected in 
1871. The Wallach, 3d district, Pennsylvania av., bet. 7th 
and 8th sts. SE., brick, 99 X 76 ft., basement and three sto- 
ries, erected in 1864. The Jeffey^son^ 4th district, cor. of 6th 
and D sts. SAY., brick, 172 X 88 ft, basement and 3 stories, 
witli 20 school-rooms, erected in 1872. This is the largest 
school building in the city. It will accommodate 1,200 pupils. 
It is named after Thomas Jefferson, President of the United 
States, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Public 
Schools of Washington, and president of the same 180o-'08. 
There are also line grounds. 

In the four school districts there are 43 school buildings, 
owned or rented by the city. The oldest still standing was 
erected in 1800 for a stable, cor. 14th and G sts. NW. 

The Colored Schools are distinct from those attended by 
white children. Prior to 1862 there were no colored public 
schools. Subsequently the schools were under charitable 
associations of the IsTorth. 

The first building was erected in 1866, on the square now 
occupied by the Sumner building. 

The Sumner Building^ on tlie NE. corner of M and 17th 
sts. NW., was completed in 1872, at a cost of $70,000. It is 
94 ft. long, hy 69 ft. wide, and has a basement, 3 stories, and 
a trussed roof. In it are 10 school-rooms. There are 13 
public schools for colored children. 

The annual expenditures are about $318,000, One tliird 
of this sum is set apart for colored schools. The total school 
population is 17,403. In 1805 the revenues for the support 
of schools were derived from the net proceeds of taxes on 
slaves, dogs, licenses for carriages and hacks, ordinaries and 
taverns, selling wines and spirits, billiard tables, hawkers 
and pedlers, theatres and other public amusements. In 1806 
there were the E. and W. academies. In 1826 the schools 
were supported b}^ lottery. There is now a school tax. The 
public schools were quartered in rented rooms, prior to the 



ASYLUMS. 



ASYLUMS. 



205 



There are a number of public and private institutions for the 
destitute and sick. 

ITaval Hospital (open after 12 noon^ during the week, if no 
severe cases) occupies the square between 9th and 10th sts. 
E. and E st. S. and Pennsylvania av. It is accessible from 
the Pennsylvania av. street cars (red) for the Navy Yard, at 
E St. The hospital is under the Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery of the N'avy denartment, and is open to officers and 
men of the navy and marine corps. The building consists- 
of a three-story brick edifice, with mansard, and possesses 
accommodations for 50 patients. There is a reading-room for 
convalescents. A medical director in the navj'^ is in charge.. 
N'aval discipline is observed. 

National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, on G st. be- 
tween 17th and 18th sts. NW., (open to visitors every day^ 
except Sunday, after 9 a. m.,) was incorporated hj Congress 
in 1866, and is supported by Government appropriations. It 
is under the direction of a Board of Lady Managers, and is for 
the support and education of the orphans of the national sol- 
diers or sailors who were killed or died of wounds in the I'e- 
bellion of 1861-'6o. No applicants are received younger than 
6 years, nor retained after 16 j'ears. 

Columbia Hospital for Women, and Lying-in Asylum, 
incorporated 1866, (visiting days Tuesdays and Fridays, from 
10 a. m. to 4 j9. m.,) is on tiie corner of L and 25th sts. jSTW, 
The general wards for 50 patients are free to the wives of sol- 
diers, on the permit of the Surgeon General; to women of 
other States, on permit of the Secretar}^ of the Interior ; and 
to women of the District, on permit of the Governor. There 
are also private rooms and special wards for 30 patients, for 
the use of which a small compensation is required. Connected 
with the hospital is an operating room, used for free patients 
only, and open every Saturday at 3.30 p. m., to students of 
medicine in the District. In the W. wing is a dispensary, 
open every day, where the poor receive medicines and treat- 
ment free. The institution is principally supported by the 
National Government. 

Washington Asylum (open every day, except Sunday) is sit- 
uated in the extreme E. portion of the cit^', on the publie 
reservation. No. 17, laid out for the pui-pose. It may be 
reached in 15 min. along C st. S., leaving the Pennsylvania 



204 



ASYLUMS. 



av. street cars (red) at that point. The institution combines 
an asylum for the poor of the District, and a work-house for 
persons convicted in the police courts of minor crimes except 
theft. There are accommodations in the brick buildings for 
180 persons. The first building was erected in 1815, but the 
present one in 1859. On the IsT. is the District jail, and S. the 
District nurseries, and beyond, the Army and I^avy maga- 
zines. About J m. distant, SW., is the "Congressional" 
Cemetery. 

Louise Home, {open to visitors every day^ except Sunday^ 
after 12 noon^) erected in 1871, was tlie gift of Mr. Corcoran, 
It is situated on Massachusetts av., bet. 15th and 16th sts. 
W. Its design is for gentlewomen of education and refine- 
ment, but reduced to poverty. It is named after the wife 
and daughter of Mr. Corcoran, both deceased. The build- 
ing, a commodious structure, was erected and furnished un- 
der the personal supervision of Mr. Corcoran, and, with the 
grounds, cost $200,000, and has accommodations for 55 per- 
sons. The institution is under the direction of a board of 
trustees, and has an endowment of $250,000. The inmates 
:are invited by the board of directresses. 

Providence G-eneral Hospital, cor. 2d and D sts. SE., {open 
•every day ^ from \^ to \1 a m. and 2 to 4 p. m.) The hospital 
is owned and under the care of the Sisters of Charity. It 
was founded in 1862, incorporated in 1864, and the present 
building commenced in 1867. It is about 280 ft. long, of 
brick, and will accommodate 250 patients. Towards the 
erection of the building, through Thaddeus Stevens, of Penn., 
Congress appropriated $30,000. There is now an annual ap- 
propriation for 75 non-resident paupers. Indigent persons 
receive permits from the Surgeon General of the Army, but 
:any one applying is taken in. Tlie accommodations for pay 
patients are very superior. Tliere is a medical staff of 12 
physicians; also, a reading-room, library, chapel, and oper- 
ating-room. 

The Washington City Orphan Asylum, on I, bet. 2d and 3d 
5ts. N'W., was founded in 1815, Dolly P. Madison, Avife of the 
President of the United States, being first directress and Mrs. 
"Van l^ess second. It Avas incorporated in 1828, and the cor- 
ner-stone of the first building was laid by Mrs. Van ISTess on 
Mausoleum square, on H, bet. 9th and 10th sts. IS^W., the 
burial-ground of the Burns family. The building is now oc- 
cupied by the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. It is under 
the direction of the benevolent ladies of the city. Tlie present 



ASYLUMS. 205 

building is but temporarily occupied, that erected for the per- 
manent use of the Asylum being now rented bj'^ the Depart- 
ment of State. 

Children's Hospital, on E, bet. 8th and 9th sts. NW., (visit- 
ing days Sundays^ Tuesdays^ and Fridays^ from 3 to 5 p. m.^) 
incorporated in 1871. It is under the patronage of benevo- 
lent ladies and gentlemen, of the city, and has for its object 
the free provision of surgical and medical treatment for the 
helpless children of the District between the ages of 15 mos. 
and 15 jv^. Admissions through the Board Physicians. The 
sick of the City Orphan Asylum are also treated here. There 
is a free dispensary connected with the hospital, open to all 
every day except Sunday, from 12 m. to 3 p. m. 

St. Jolin's Hospital, for children, {visiting days Mondays 
and Thursdays^ from 2 to 5 p. m.,) on I, bet. 20th and 21st 
sts. ]N'W., is under the St. John's Sisterhood of the Episcopal 
Church. The Hospital will shortly occupy its new premises, 
on H, bet. 19th and 20th sts. NW. 

St. Anil's Infant Asylnm, founded in 1863, is on the corner 
of K and 24th sts. N W., (visiting days Thursdays, from 2 to 5 
p. m.) It is under the management of the Sisters of Charitj'', 
and for the children, under 5 years, of the poor. There is a 
lying-in hospital attached. 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, founded in 1855, {visit- 
ing days Saturdays, from "2too p.m.,) on H, bet. 9th and 10th 
sts. NW., is under the care of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. 
The male children at St. Ann's, arriving at 5 5^ears of age, 
are sent here. The building previously belonged to the 
Washington City Orphan Asylum, and was purcliased in 

i8a6. 

St, Vincent's Pemale Orphan Asylum, founded in 1831, 
(visiting every day, except Saturday and Sunday, bet. 9 and 11 
a. m.,) is on the S\V. cor. of H and 10th sts. NW. It is under 
the care of the Sisters of Charity. To this are transferred the 
female children at St. Ann's arriving at 5 years of age. 

A branch of this asylum, St. Eose''s* Orphan Home, estab- 
lished in 1871, and owned and cared for by the Sisters of 
Charity, is situated on G, bet. 20th and 21st sts. ISTW. Here 
the children, 13 years of age, are sent and taught a trade. 
It is open at any time, and sewing of all kinds for ladies and 
children is taken. 

The Epiphany Church Home is on H, bet. 14th and 15th 

sts.W. 



CEMETERIES. 



The Home for the Aged, under the Little Sisters of the 
Poor, is on the NW. cor. of 3d and H sts. NE. 



CEMETEEIES. 

Two squares known as the Eastern and Western Burial- 
grounds, were allotted by the Government, in the beginning 
of the present century, for the interment of the dead. The 
Eastern^ which stood in the eastern part of the city, w^as re- 
moved a few years since. The Western^ later known as 
Holmead Cemetery^ on 19th St., bet. S and T sts. NW., is be- 
ing removed. Here, for 40 years, rested the remains of Lo- 
renzo Dow, removed to Oak Hill Cemeterymn 1874. 

Oongressional (or "Washington Parish) Cemetery, {open every 
day^ except Sunday^) is situated on the banks of the Anacos- 
tia, and is accessible from the Washington and Georgetown 
Street Railway East, 
along E. St. S., dis- 
tant \ m. The Cem- 
etery, laid out in 
1807, originally com- 
prised about 10 a., 
but now embraces 30 
a. The name Con- 
gressional originated 
from the fact that a 
number of sites are 
set apart for the in- 
terment of members 
of Congress, in re- 
turn for Government 
donations of land and 
money. The small 
freestone cenotaphs, 
to the memory of de- 
ceased members of 

Congress, form a conspicuous feature. The grounds are 
adorned with drives, walks, trees, shrubs, evergreens, and a 
large fountain. 

The oldest graves lie N. of the lodge, and are of date 1804-5. 
Near the superintendent's lodge is the grave of Commodore 
Tingey, second in command in the Algerine war. In the NE. 
portion lies George Clinton, of New York, Vice President 
of the United States, died in 1811, and Elbridge Gerry, of Mass- 




CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY, CENOTAPHS. 



CEMETERIES. 



207 



achusetts, signer of the Declaration of Independence and 
Vice President of the United States, died in 1814. This 
jnonument was erected by act of Cong'ress. Not far oif is 
the grave of Tobias Lear, jDrivate secretary and friend of 
George Washington, died in 1816. ISTear bj^ are the graves 
of John Forsyth, Secretary of State, and Commodore'Mont- 
gomery. On the 1. of the wallv is the monument of Pns-ma- 
ta-ha, a Choctaw chief, tlie white man's friend, who died at 
Washington in 1824. Further on is the monument to Wil- 
liam Wirt, Attorney General of the United States 1817-1829, 
died 1834. On the 1. of the carriage road, near the fountain, 
is the grave of General Alexander^Macomb, Commander-in- 
chief of the United States Army, who died 1841. This mon- 
ument is a handsome piece of workmanship, appropriately 
embellished and inscribed. A few feet oft' stands a broken 
shaft over tlie remains of Major General Jacob Brown, Com- 
mander-in-chief of the United States Army, died 1828. 

In the same vicinity is a monument to Abel Parker Up- 
shur, Secretary of the N^avy 1841, Secretary of State 1843, 
died 1844, and Captain Kennon, killed by the explosion of 
the great gun on board tlie United States frigate Princeton. 
A few paces off stands the collossal monument to Joseph 
Lovel, Surgeon General of tlie United States Army, died 
1836. Near by is the monument erected to Major General 
George Gibson, U. S. A., Commissary General of Subsist- 
ence, 1861, and to Frederick Kogers, midshipman in the 
United States Navy, drowned at "Xoi-folk, Va., 1828, while 
making eftbrts to save Midshipmen Slidell and Harrison, his 
friends and companions in life and death. 

Among others are tlie Wainwright family, consisting of 
Commodore Richard Wainwris^ht, Bvt. Lt. Col. B. Auch- 
matty Wainwriirht, Bvt. Lt. Col. Robert DeWar, of the 
United States Navy. All of these lie in the Wainwright 
vault, in the vsouthern extremity of tlie grounds. In the S. 
portion is the tomb of Alexander Dallas Baclie, Superin- 
tendent of United States Coast Survey service. Also a mar- 
ble monument, representing a broken ship's mast, to George 
Mifflin Bache, of the brig Washington, and his associates, 
who perished at sea on September 3, 1846, in a hurricane. 
Not far distant is the monument erected to the young ladies 
killed by the arsenal explosion. 

The vaults and lots of some of the oldest citizens of the 
District are also in this cemetery. 

The public vault, erected by Congress, lies SE. of the 
entrance, about the centre of the cemetery. It is a massive 
etructure, entered by an iron door, which leads through a 
passage to a second iron door. 



208 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. 



DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. 

The provisional government of the District of Columbia 
occupies a building on 4J st. W., near Pennsylvania av. It 
is proposed to erect a suitable edifice on the space immedi- 
ately N. of the Centre Market. 

Fire Department.— The force consists of 5 Steam Fire En- 
gines, 1 Hook and Ladder Company, witli officers and 4 
horses and 10 men to each Engine. The service is under a 
Board of Fire Commissioners. There is also a Fire Alarm 
Telegraphy with the Central Station at Police Headquarters. 
The buildings were erected by the city, and have every con- 
venience. The foreman will show visitors everj^thing of 
interest. The companies are located, No. 1, K st., bet. 16th 
and 17th W. ; No. 2, D st., near 12th NW. ; No. 3, Capitol 
Hill, Delaware av. NE. of the Capitol : No. 4, Virginia av., 
bet. ^ and 6th sts. SW. ; No. 5, High St., near Bridge; 
Hook and Ladder, Massacliusetts av., bet. 4th and 5th sts. ■ 

In the early days housekeepers were required to have a certain number of buckets, 
with their names, for each story. In 1835 there were two fire engines, and in 184.6 
seven. In 1861 the National Government engaged the services of the Hibernia 
Steam Fire Engine, of Philadelphia, and brought the first steamer to Washington, 
as a means of protection for the immense quantities of Government stores. In 1S64 
the paid system went into operation. The Government then owned three steam fire 
engines, and the corporation three, and one Hook and Ladder Company. In iS6g 
the Government steamers were withdrawn. 

Metropolitan Police. — This was established in 1861. In 
1866 a police telegraph was constructed. The police force 
consists of 238 officers and men, with duties extending 
throughout the entire District. There are 8 precincts. 

District Jail —The present jail of tlie District of Columbia 
is a three-storied brick structure, on reservation No. 9, and 
on the SW. corner of G and 4th sts. A neiojaU, more suita- 
ble to the necessities of tlie District, is being erected on Res- 
ervation No. 13, immediately N. of the Wasliington Asj'lum. 

The plan has an outer range of one-storied buildings of solid masonry, forming 
the enclosure of the jail proper. The latter is built of Maryland (Seneca) stone, 
brick, and iron, four stories high, with ranges of cells on each floor, 300 in all. Be- 
tween the inner building and the outer walls there is a space of 16 ft. under the 
surveillance of the guards. 

The building is 31c by 193 ft., and from the stone base to the main cornice 50 ft. 
high, to the ridge 68 ft., and to the top of the cupola 90 ft. On either end of the 
building are ventilating shafts 86 ft. high, and, in conjunction with steam pipes 
under each tier of cells, preserve a regular temperature. The centre of the building 
forms a guard room 77 x 61 ft., from the floor of which springs the staircases to 
each tier of cells. The W. projection contains the warden's office, guard and 
witness rooms ; the E., a chapel and kitchen ; the basement, the laundry and bath 
rooms. The structure was designed by A. B. MuUett, commenced in 1872, and 
cost $400,000. It can be easily converted into a penitentiary. 



THE MARKETS. 209 



THE MAKKETS. 

The country around the National Capital produces fine 
vegetables of all descriptions, and the Potomac river and 
Chesapeake Bay aflbrd not only fish and oysters unexcelled 
and in great quantities, but admirable facilities for supiDlying- 
the Markets with the earlier produce of more soutliern lati- 
tudes. The best qualities of meats and the finest game, 
aquatic and field, are also offered for sale at clieaper rates 
than other large cities. There are four principal markets in 
the city, two already accommodated with very fine pei-ma- 
nent buildings. Strangers would find the markets a most 
interesting place for a visit. 

Tiie largest is the Centre Market^ erected by the Washington 
Market Company in 1870, comprising three commodious brick 
structures — a central building and two wings — length from 
E. to W., 410 ft., and Avhich occupy the S. half of the square 
between Ttli and 9tli sts. W., on the S, side of Pennsylvania 
av., and accessible by horse cars on that av. and 7th and 9th 
sts. ^Market every day. 

The Eastern Market^ on Capitol Hill, at the junction of 7th 
St. E. and North Carolina av., completed in 1873, is also a 
fine hp-ge brick structure. 

The Western Market^ on K between 20th and 21st sts. XW., 
and the Northern Market^ between 6th and 7th and O and P 
sts. NW., at present temporarily occupy sheds. Brick sti-uc- 
tiu'es of large dimensions are now in course of erection for 
their accommodation. In the original plan of the city, 1791, 
there were three reservations for the E., W., and Centre 
Markets ; the latter, however, is the only one erected on the 
site originally set apart. 

The Northern Libei'ty Market^ on 5th, bet. K and L sts. 
JSrVV., J. H. McGill, architect, erected 1874-'5 by the North- 
ern Liberty Market Company, is one of tlie finest market 
structures in the United States. It is of brick, 324 ft. long, 
126 ft. wide, and 105 ft. total height. The roof rests upon 
massive iron girders, the largest of the kind in the world, 
which form an imposing arch the entire width of the build- 
ing. In the butcliers' portion there are 28 sections, 17 x 19 ft., 
each containing 4 stalls. Cost, $140,000. On tlie E. is a 
paved space for the accommodation of market wagons. 

14 



210 PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST. 



PLACES OF HISTOKICAL mXEREST. 

The residence of Gen. J. P. Van ISTess still stands on what 
was known as Mansion Sqnare, about 6 a., at the foot of 17th 
St. W., between B and C sts. N., and whei-e the Tiber then 
emptied its waters into the Potomac. It was previously the 
residence of David Burns, one of the original proprietors of 
the site of Washington, who owned, by inheritance through 
several generations of Scottish ancestors, what now consti- 
tute tlic finest portions of the city. Gen. Yan Ness, a repre- 
sentative from New York, by his marriage, about 1802, with 
Marcia Burns, sole heiress of the Burns estate, enlarged the 
buildings, erected green liouses, planted trees and fruits, and 
made otlier improvements, then considered very superior. 
Tlie place was then one of tlie finest in the country. The 
square is enclosed by a brick wall, with a fine gateway and 
two lodges. Many of tlie venerable trees are still growing. 
The Yan ISTess warehouse, on the line of 17th st., is still stand- 
ing, though very dilapidated. The Washington canal ran just 
S. of it.- "Attorney General William Wirt occupied the fine 
old mansion, now the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan 
Asjdum, on G St., between 17th and 18th sts. W. The Old 
Capitol, now converted into private residences, stands on the 
NW. corner of A and 1st sts. NE. Congress met here after 
the burning of the Capitol in 1814. During the war it waa 
used as a p'olitical prison. Wirz, the prison keeper of Ander- 
sonville, was executed here. 

On North Carolina av., between 1st and 2d sts. SE., stands 
the venerable mansion of Duddington, owned by Daniel Car- 
roll, one of the original proprietors of the site of Washington, 
and one of the three commissioners appointed in 1791 to su- 
ix^rintend the building of the city. 



SECTION y. 

ENVIRONS OF WASHINGTON, 



ij],^:^EOKGETOWN, the port of entn/ of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, population 15,000, lies N. W. 
of Washington, separated by Kock creek, and is at 
the head of navigation of tlie Potomac river. It 
was laid out b.y Georo-e Gordon and George Beall, 
and incorporated in 'l789. Tlie site is peculiarly 
picturesque. The '^ heights,'^ dotted with villas, 
overlook a vast sweep of country, tlie Potomac and ailjacent 
Capital. Georgetown before 1800 enjoyed considerable local 
importance^ and a brisk river, coast, and foreign commerce. 





Ctpj/right, 1874, DeB. R. Ktim. 

GEORGETOWN AND AQUEDUCT. 

Georgetown may be reached from Washington by the 
Metropolitan, F st., (Georgetown cars.) and the Washington 
and Georgetown, Pennsylvania av. liorse cars. Arriving by 
the former at Washington st., a short walk leads to Oak 
Hill Cemetery, {open every day except Sundays and hoUdaySy 
from sunrise to sunset.) The original grounds. 10 a., incor- 
porated bv Congress, 1849, was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 



212 



GEORGETOWN. 




VAN NESS BrAXJSOLEUM. 



from whom it has an eiidowneiit of $120,000. The present 
area is 30 a. It occupies a romantic spot, formerly Parrott's 
woods, on the north- 
ern slope of George- 
town Ileio^hts, at the 
base of which winds 
Rock creek, and has a 
fine cliapel and public 
vault of the time of 
Henry YITI. 

Here is the Van Ness Mau- 
soleum, designed by Hadfield, 
after the Temple of Vesta at 
Rome, erected by Gen. Van 
Ness, and containing the re- 
mains of the General and his 
wife, Marcia Van Ness, nee 
BurRS, of the faniily of David 
Burns, one of the original pro- 
prietors of Washington. It 

formerly stood on H, bet. 9th and loth sts. NW., Washington. Inthis Cemetery 
are the Corcoran Mausoleum, in white marble, Linthicum Memorial Chapel, the 
graves of Chief Justice Chase, Secretary Stanton, Generals Towson, of the war of 
1812, Plummer and Reno, killed in iS6i-''65, Commodore Morris, distinguished in 
the Algerine war, and Loren7:o Dow, the religious enthusiast, removed from Hoi 
mead Cemetery in 1S74. 

Returning to the same line of street-cars, and alighting on 
the r. side, at Market st., at the head of the street is the George- 
town nigh-Service Reservoir. The same point may be reached 
by turning to the r. outside the cemetery gate, and follow- 
ing Road St. to the corner of High. It consists of a domical 
reservoir, of brick, 120 ft. in diameter, with a capacity of 
1,000,000 galls., and is fed from the Aqueduct mains at the 
bridge over Rock creek by 2 i)umps. The surface-water is 
215 ft. above tide and 70 ft. above the Distributing Reservoir. 
It supplies all that part of Georgetown over 100 ft. above tide. 

Descending the st. a short distance towards the city, and 
follovring the track to Fayette st., on the opposite corner is 
the Convent of the Visitation^ iomii\.Qi\ in 1799, but not now 
open to visitors. The Academy^ under the care of the Sisters 
of the Visitation, was founded at the same time, and occupies 
the biiilding on the jST., rebuilt in 1873, and is open to visitors 
on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 12 noon. The entrance 
is by the door of the new building, where visitors will be re- 
ceived and conducted through the school. There are two de- 
partments : primary for girls from 6 to 12 years, and senior, 
for young ladies of all school ages. There is a fine philosoph- 
ical apparatus, cliemical laboratory, and library. The Acade- 
my grounds comprise 40 a. Attaclied to the Convent is a vault 
containing the remains of Archbishop Neale, second Bishop 
of Baltimore, and founder of the institution, the daughter of 
Madame Yturbide, and the daughter of Gen. Winfield Scott, 



214 GEORGETOWN. 

a religieuse of the oi'der. It is the oldest in the country. 

At the W. end of 2d st., Georgetown, is Georgetown College^ 
{open every day except Sunday^) founded in 1789, raised to a 
Universitj'^ in 1815, and the ohlest Roman Catholic College 
in the eountrj-. It is under the care of the Fathers of the 
Society of Jesus. 

The original building, of imported brick, is still standing on the S., and is flanked 
by two of more modern construction. Boys of all ages are received and carried 
through an entire course of instruction. The library contains 30,000 volumes, 
amongst which are many rare and curious works. There are 100 volumes printed 
between 1460 and 1520, and three manuscripts anterior to 1400, and others later. In 
the Museum is a valuable collection of coins and medals and relics of Commodore 
Decatur. The Observatery is 400 yds. distant, on the W. (For Medical and Lave 
Departments see page 201.) 

Tlicre are also fine Custom and Market Houses^ Post Office^ 
and man.y beautiful church edifices. On 2d and Potomac sts. 
is the Public School, 79x97 ft.', built 1874, of Potomac Seneca 
stone, brick, and iron ; has 3 stories, basement, and Mansard, 
was designed by Adolf Cluss, and cost $70,000. 

The building contains 8 school-rooms, a room for the Linthicum Institute and the 
Peabody Library^ and a Hall capable of seating 900 persons. The Linthicum Insti- 
tute was founded in 1872 by Edward Linthicum, a retired hardware merchant of 
Georgetown, deceased 1872, who by will left Sso,ooo for the education of poor 
white boys. The Peabody Library fund^ .^22,000, was one of the numerous bene- 
factions of the American philanthropist and millionaire George Peabody. 

At the foot of the liill is thi? Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. 

The Potomac Company, chartered by Maryland In 1784, completed a canal before 
iSooaround the Little and Great Falls These efforts were followed by the eharter, 
by Congress, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, of the present enterprise. 
Work was commenced in 1828. The object was the connection of tide-water on the 
Potomac with the head of navigation on the Ohio, a distance of 360 m. In 1841 
the canal was opened lo Cumberland, 182 m , at a cost of $13,000,000, of which 
Maryland subscribed $5,000,000, the United States $1,000,000, Washington, 1,000,- 
000, and Georgetown, Alexandria, and Virginia, each, $250,000. Cumberland re- 
mains the terminus. The execution of the enterprise was a work of great difficulty. 
There are 75 locks of 100 ft. in length, 15 ft. in width, and averaging 8 ft. lift ; il 
aqueducts crossing the Monocacy river, consisting of 7 arches of 54 ft. span ; also 190^ 
culverts of various dimensions, some sufficiently spacious to admit of the passage of 
wagons. The canal is fed by a number of dams across the Potomac, varying from 
500 to 800 ft. in length, and from 4 to 20 ft. elevation. The breadth of the canal is 
60 ft. for the first 60 m. above Georgetown, and for the remaining distance to Cum- 
berland 50 ft., with a uniform depth of 6 ft. The entire lift is about 600 ft. The 
aqueducts, locks, and culverts are constructed of stone laid in hydraulic cenient. 
The tunnel through the " Pawpaw Ridge" is 3,118 ft. in length and 24 ft, in diam- 
eter, with an elevation of 17 ft. clear of the surface of the water. The canal con- 
nects with Rock creek. From this point a canal, now out of use or filled, extended 
across Washington to the Anacostia. The canal to Cumberland opens the im- 
mensely valuable and rich coal sections of western Maryland and West Virginia. 
The unfinished portion of the canal trom Cumberland to Pittsburg is 178 m. 

The Alexandria Canal, incorporated by Congress in 1830, 
crosses the Potomac on a line Aqueduct 1,400 ft. long and 36 
ft. above high water. The piers are embedded 17 ft. in the 
bottom of the river, and are capable of resisting the immense 
weight of ice thrown against them by the current of the river 
in winter. 

A very interesting feature of the city are the coal ivharves., 



ARLINGTON HOUSE AND NATIONAL CEMETERY. 215 

where the coal is transhipped into schooners for transporta- 
tion to the ports on the Atlantic seaboard. Georgetown is 
one of the largest shad and herring markets in the United 
States. The mannfactnring interests of the city are small. 

At the E. end of Bridge st. Is Rock-creek Bridge^ connect- 
ing the two cities. 

It consists of a 200-ft. span, with 20 ft. rise, the arch formed by two lateral 
courses of cast-iron pipe, 4 ft. internal diameter, and i'.<4 in in thickness. The 
arch is supported on massive abutments of sandstone. The pipes convey the water 
of the Aqueduct across the stream, and at the same time carry a street road and horse 
railway. Here the Pennr.ylvania av. street cars may be taken back to Washington. 

Analostan, or Mason's Island, the large tract in the Potomac 
river, opposite Georgetown, contains 70 a., and ^^■as the res- 
idence of Gen. John Mason, com missary general of ])risoners 
in the war of 1812. 

The Mansion still stands at the S. end, 50 ft. above the river. The now neg- 
lected grounds were also beautifully adorned. A causeway on the Virginia side and 
ferry-boat from Georgetov/n in former times afforded communication with the main 
land. James M. Mason. Con*"ederate Commissioner to Europe, was born on the island. 

Arlington House and National Q^mti^Yj .—{Open to visit- 
ors evcrj/ daij.) Arlington House, from 1802, vras the resi- 
dence of George Washington Parke Cnstis, the adopted son of 
Gen. AVashington, and in late years of Gen. Robert E. Lee, 
till 1861. ItVs on tlie Virginia shore of the Potomac, on the 
summit of a hill, 200 ft. above th'3 river. It is about 4 m. from 
the Capitol, and about 1 m. from Georgetown, across the 
Aqueduct bridge . The view of Washington is without a rival. 
The center building, GO ft., and two wings, each 40 ft., gives 
a frontage of 140 ft. In front is a portico GO ft. longhand 
25 ft. deep. The pediment rests on 8 doric columns (6 in 
front) 5 ft. in diameter and 26 ft. high, built of brick, stuc- 
coed. The design was from drawings of the temple at Paes- 
tum, near jSTaples. On the S. are the gardens and conserva- 
tory. In the rear are the kitchens, slave qu;wters, and stables. 

In the mansion, when occupied by its former possessors, were valuable pictures and 
other objects of historic interest, including two Vandykes, one by Sir Godfrey 
Kneller, painted 1707, representing Col. Parke, a fine engraving of the Death of 
Chatham, by Copcly, and of Napier, the inventor of the logarithms, presented by 
the Earl of Buchan, and addressed to "■Marshal" Genera! Washington, announc- 
ing that Louis XVI had created the General a Marshal of France; that he might be 
of sufReient rank to command the veteran Count de Rochambeau ; also a death of 
Wolfe, presented to Washington by West ; the Mount Vernon plate, bearing the 
arms and crest of Washington. The bed and bedstead upon which Washington, as 
first President, slept during his whole presidency, and on which he breathed his 
last, on December 14, 1799; china having the names of the votes of the old Confed- 
eration ; a service also bearing the representation of the Order of the Cincinnati, 
and relics from the home of Washington. These were taken away by the family. 

Of original pictures of Wasliington there were four at Ar- 
lington. The earliest was by Charles Wilson Peale, painted 
in 1772, represented the subject as a provincial colonel; the 
second by Houdon, taken after the Revolution; tlie third, 
by Madame de Brienne, heads of Wasliington and La- 



216 FORT WHIPPLE. 

fayette, date about the same as Hoiidon, and the fourth, a 
profile likeness in crayon, by Sharpless, in 1796. Of other 
originals is the equestiian picture by Trumbull, in 1790, in 
the City Hall, IST. Y., and a crayon by Mr. Williams, from 
sittings in 1794, lost. There are three originals by Stuart, 
the head, a masterpiece, and bust, from whicli many copies 
have been made, the full lengtli for the Marquis of Lans- 
downe, and one for Mrs. Washington. Ceracci, the sculptor, 
about 1794, executed two busts in marble, one of Washington 
and the other of Hamilton. In 1795 both the elder and the 
younger Peale had sittings. 

Arlington House in its lialcyon days was famed for its 
hospitality. The last proprietor. Gen. Lee, came in posses- 
sion through his wife, who was the daughter of INIr. Custis. 
Having gone over to the rebellion against the National Govern- 
ment, and become its military chieftain, the estate, upwards 
of 1,000 a., was abandoned. In 1863 it was sold under the 
confiscation act, and in 1864 was taken possession of by the 
National Government. About 200 a. were set apart as a 
National Cemetery for the interment of deceased soldiers of 
the army. The Cemetery was formally established in 1867. 
In the rear and 1. of the mansion is an ampTdtheatre^ capable 
of accommodating 5,000 persons, erected in 1873, and designed 
for use in the annual ceremonies observed on decoration day. 

The grounds were laid out with special reference to the 
purposes in view. The bodies of nearlj^ 16,000 soldiers, from 
many a battle-field in Virginia and tlie hospitals at the capital, 
here find a fitting resting place. The W. Cemetery is devoted 
to white, and the IST. to colored troops. A sliort distance S. 
of mansion is a granite sarcophagus^ surmounted hj cannon 
and balls, in 1866 placed over the grave of 2,111 unknown 
soldiers gathered after the war from the fields of Bull Run 
and the route to the Rappahannock. The carriage entrance 
is on the SE., through a freestone gateway of composite 
order, erected in 1873. On the frieze are suitable inscrip- 
tions, and over the arch "Here rest 15,585 of tlie 315,558 
citizens who died in defence of our country from 1861 to 
1865." On the 1. of the road leading from the main gate- 
way towards tlie river is the once-famous Custis spring. 
In 1850 it was visited from the capital by tliousaiids of resi- 
dents and strangers. The forest which sheltered its limpiil 
waters was felled for the uses of tlie army during the re- 
bellion. 

Port Whipple, reached by the road to the r. soon after 
crossing the Georgetown Aqueduct, lies a short distance XW. 
of Arlinofton Hoii^se. It is no^^' a station for tlie instruction 



AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 217 

of ofHcers and men in army signalling. It was built during 
tiie rebellion, and constituted'portion of the defenses cover- 
ing the Aqueduct and Long Bridge, and the intermediate 
Heights of Arlington. Then it mounted 6 12-lb. Napoleon 



The Aqueduct and G-reat Falls of the Potomac — One of 
the most interesting excursions out of Washington is the drive 
by the Aqueduct to the Great Falls of the Potomac. 

Table of distances from the 
Navy-yard to ih&Great Falls : 
From the Navy-yard to the 
E. front of the Capitol, \% 
m ; to Rock-Creek Bridge, 4 
j-5 m 5 College-Pond Bridge, 
5 j-5 m ; Foundry Branch, 6 
m ; Pipe Vault Dist. Res, 
b]/^ m ; Influent Gate House, 
7 m ; Waste Weir, 7)4 m ; 
Gate House Rec. Res., 9 m; 
Wooden Bridge Rec. Res., 9 
1-5 m; Brooks's Road, 9'K 
m ; Cabin John Bridge, izV| 
m ; Mountain-Spring Bridge, 
ij^ m ; CulvertNo. 12, 14V4 
mj'Road at RadclilTs, iji^ 
m ; Junction Road, 16 3-5 
m ; Bridge No. Z, 17 1-5 m ; 
Bridge No. i, 17^$ m ; Ov- 
erfall No. I. 16 m ; Waste 
Weir No. i, i'S,% m ; Great 
Falls Gate House, 18}.^ m. 

Entering George- 
town from Pennsyl- 
vania av. the Aque- 
duct may b3 reaclu'd by Bridge and Fayette sts., and new 
road to the Dlstribntinr/ Reservoir, a distance of 2 m. 

The water surface of the reservoir is JJ a; capacity, 150,000,000 galls, at depth of 
II ft., and 300,000,000 galls, at 24 ft ; elevation, 144 ft. above mean tide at the Navy- 
yard. 

From this point the water is carried by iron mains into the city. [See Water Suf>- 
ply^ p. 45.J The Aqueduct terminates here, the influent gate-house standing on 
the NW. corner. A 7-ft. Auxiliary Conduit connects the influ»-nt and affluent gate- 
houses on the N. which may be used independently of the reservoir. 

The Aqnedud consists of a cylindrical conduit, of 9 ft. in- 
ternal dlam >ter, constructed of stone and brick, laid in hy- 
draulic c?m3nt, and covered by an embankment or tunneled 
througli the hills, and is c:irried across the streams by means 
of magniticent bridges, and has a faU ol 9J in. to the m. The 
capacity of the conduit, full, is Sa 000,000" galls, every 24 hrs. 
The present mains carry off 30,000, "^00 galls. ; the consump- 
tion, however, is but 17,000,000. 

From the Distributing Reservoir is a beautiful drive, 2 m. 
on the embankment of the Aqueduct, to Eeceivitig Reservoir, 




THE GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 



218 AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 



The scenery on all sides is romantic in the extreme. On the 1. is the Potomac 
and the Little Falls. The Receiving Reservoir^ a natural basin, formed by an em- 
bankment 65 ft. high, across Powder-Mill Creek, retains the water within the en- 
circling arms of the surrounding hills. It has a surface area of 52 a., a greatest 
depth of 53 ft., and drains 40,000 a. of the adjacent country. The Sluice Tower is 
in the S. end. A conduit extends around the S. side, connecting the Aqueduct, 
without passing through the Receiving Reservoir. The capacity Is 163,000,000 galls. 
The NW. boundary of the District crosses the Reservoir just beyond the Sluice 
Tower. The height of water in the Reservoir is controlled by a channel cut in the 
solid rock. The Aqueduct enters through a tunnel 800 ft. in length, and pierced 
through solid rock. 

Resuming the embankment, Cabin-John Bridge is reached, 
3 m. distant. 

This magnificent struc- 
ture springs the chasm of 
Cabin-John Creek at a 
height of 10 f ft. The 
bridge is erected of im- 
mense blocks of granite, 
with Seneca parapets and 
coping, and leaps the ra- 
vine in a single arch of 
2Z0 ft. with 571^ ft. rise 
from the springing line. 

The bridge is 20 ft. 
wide, and its extreme 
length 4.20 ft. It cost 
$237,000. This magnifi- 
cent work of art is un- 
equalled in the history of 
bridge building. It is the 
largest stone arch in the 
world ; the second being 
that of the Grovesner 
Bridge, with a span of 200 
ft. which crosses the river 
Dee. One mile above is 
Alountain- Spring Brook, 
crossed by a beautiful el- 
liptical arch of masonry, 
75 ft span. The bridge 
is 200 ft. long, and cost 
$76,000. From this point 
the Aqueduct is conducted by means of 2 tunnels. 

About 3j^ m. from the Great Falls a road leads around the hills. Before reaching 
the falls the scenery becomes exceedingly picturesque. The river is divided into 
two channels by Cupid's Bower and Bear Islands, the latter the upper. At the falls 
the river is again formed into two channels by Conn's and Great Falls islands, the 
former the upper, and forms the Maryland and Virginia channels. Across the former 
is a dam of solid masonry, with gate-house and gates. This dam, should there be oc- 
casion, will be extended to the Virginia side. The Government owns the water- 
right, having 5 a. of ground. The dam is faced with massive guards of stone. The 
total water supply of the river is 1,196,019,511 galls, in 24 hrs. At this point the 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is carried over the Aqueduct. 

At the GreaJ Falls the Potomac breaks through the mountain in a channel nar- 
rowing to 100 yds. in width, and bounded on the Virginia side by perpendicular 
rocks 70 ft. high. The water falls over a series of cascades, making a descent of 80 




CABIN-JOHN BRIDGE. 



in 11 



the greatest single pitch being 40 ft. At a distance of 4 m. it widens. 



and its agitated waters quiet into an unbroken current About 10 m. below, at 
the Little Falls, about 3 m. above Georgetown, the stream makes a descent of 37 ft. 
in a series of cascades. Released from the mountains, after passing Georgetown, the 
river widens into the lake-like stream which we h?.vz seen in front of Vv'ashington. 



COLUMBIAN UNIVERSITY. 219 

There is a fine view of the Falls from cither side, the ledges and rugged boulder* 
appearing to advantage. Mingling with the wild aspect of nature is the cedar, oak, 
willow, birch, and jessamine. Wild cherries and strawberries in season are found ia 
great abundance. The most venomous reptiles abound. The scene in winter is en- 
chanting, great masses of ice piled up on either side, and the rocks and trees frosted 
with spray, form a charming surrounding for the boiling torrent in the channel. 

HlStOrVi — Surveys for the supply of the city with water were made by Major 
L'Enfant, under the direction of Washington. In 1S50 surveys were made by Col. 
Hughes from the Great Falls and Rock creek. The first ground on the Washington 
Aqacduct was broken by President Pierce on Nov. 8, 1853, in the presence of a large 
assemblage of officials and civilians. The length of pipe line is 18 m. ; number of 
culverts, 26 m. ; tunnels, 12, the longest 1,438 ft. Total, 6,65} ft. Bridges 6, viz, 
cut stone, 4, and iron truss, 2. In Georgetown is a high-service resenoir 120 ft. 
in diameter. The work was commenced by Capt. M. C. Meigs, U. S Corps of 
Engineers, and cost 3,500,000. The Aqueduct is the third in rank in the United 
States. 

Kalorama.— The residence of Joel Barlow, 180o-'ll, author, 
poet, politician, and diplomat, wlio died in Poland, 1812, 
stands on the brow of a beantifnl hill, KW. of Washington 
and near the Metropolitan liorse railway^ Georgetown brancli, 
at the P St. bridge over Rock Creek. 

About 5 min. Walk from the W. end of the P street bridge, 
is a small brick vault., belonging totiie Kalorama estate. 

In the vault are the remains of Judith Baldwin, wife of Joel Barlow, died 1818, 
Henry Baldwin, of Pennsylvania, an associate justice of the Supreme Couit of the 
United States, died 1844; Abraham Baldwin, a Senator from Georgia, died 1807; 
and George Bomford, Colonel of U. S. Ordnance Corps, died 1S48. The body of 
Commodore Decatur was also placed here. Mar. 24, iSzo, two days after his fatal 
duel In 1846 Decatur's remains were removed to St. Peter's church burial ground, 
Philadelphia 

Meridian Hill.— N. of the cit}-, at the terminus of 16th st. 
W., so named as being on tiie meridian of the District of Co- 
Inmbia, indicated by the meridian stone, established imme- 
diately W. of tlie National Washington Monument. It was 
formerly the residence of Commodore Porter. A village is 
now growing upon its commanding site. 

Columbian University. — ( O?,?^^ to visitors.) Occupies a fine 
site N. of the city; 5 min. walk from the N". terminus of the 
14th St. horse railway ; was incorporated as a college in 1821, 
began 1822, a university 1873. (For Medical and Law De- 
partments., see page 201. 

The President and Chief Justice of the United States are honorary members of 
the Board of Trustees and Overseers. The regular course of American universities, 
classical and scientific, is taught. The average number of students, including the 
preparatory school, is 3CX3, from all parts of the United States. The grounds com- 
prise 40 a., and, with the college edifice and other buildings, valued at ^400,000. 
The main building is devoted to class-rooms, chapel, and dormitories. 

Howard University. — {Open to visitors.) Occupies a con- 
spicuous site IST. of the city on the r. of the 7th st. road and 
may be reached by horse cars from the IST. terminus of 7th 
and 9th sts. liorse railways. It was incoi'porated in 1867 for 
the education of youth, without reference to sex or color. The 
pupils, however, are almost exclusively colored. 



220 



HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 




(M^^i 

'i f■ 



The University BuAding^ of patent brick, is 3 stories high, covered with a man- 
Bard and tower, and vontains philosophical, lecture and recitation rooms; library, mu- 
seum and offices. On the NE. is Miner Hall, ladies' dormitories and dining rooms, 
named after Miss Miner, a teacher of colored children in the days of slavery, in the 
District. This lady left §5,000 invested in real estate in Washington ; since sold 
for 5540,000, the interest of which is at present devoted to the normal department of 
the University. To the N. of the latter is the Normal Building, and N. of the main 
building is Clarke Hall, named after Dr.vid Clarke, of Hartford, Conn., a gentleman 
of large benevolence and a liberal friend to the University. These halls accommo- 
date 300 students. There are also residences for the professors. The grounds com- 
prise 35 a. Total value of property, S6co,cco. A short distance S. is the Medical 
Department and Freedmen's Hospital, rented and managed under the Interior De- 
partment. 



WAYLAND SEMINARY. 



221 




Capitol Spring.-To the NE. of the Howard University is 
S.nith's SpHno-fthe waters of which ^^;ere conducted m pipes 
to the Capitonn 1830. (Sec Capitol Grounds.) 

Wayland Seminary.- ( 0/9 en to ^•^^^•'■^^'•^•) Of "P^^ 'V^^'" 



222 



SOIiDi:ERS HOME. 



work was done by colored labor. The Seminary is one of the seven schools in the 
South, established and fostered by the American Baptist Home Mission Society. 
It is not yet in full operation in the new building. 




WAYLAXD SEMINARY 



Soldiers' Home, {grounds open everyday^ except Sunday^) lies 
about 3 ra. N. of the Capitol. It is one of the most attractive 
drives around the city. It may be reached by pedestrians 
from the "toll-gate" on the 7th-st. road, which point is ac- 
cessible by the 7th-st. and Silver fSpring horse cars; the latter 
being a continuation of the former, though a separate line. 

The original site consisted of about 200 a., since ex- 
tended to 500 a. by purchases, including Ilarewood, the seat 
of W. W. Corcoran. The grounds are laid out in meadows, 
lakes, and 7 m. of beautiful drives. The main building, the 
dormitorv, is of marble, Xormaii in design, and measures 
200 ft. front. In the rear is a wing of 60 ft., used for a mess 



GRAVE OF MAJOR PETER CHARLES L'ENFANT. 223 



rooui. On '.he kuvii are a llag-statl' and cannon. On the 
E. of the main building- is an additional dormitory, the sta- 
bles, conservatory, and fruit garden. On the W. is the Riggs 

homestead, now the 
hospital, and near by 
the quarters of the 
governor and officei'S 
of the institution. S. 
of this is the sur- 
geon's residence. 
SE.of the main build- 
ing is a beautiful Sen- 
eca stone chapel, fin- 
ished in 1871, and 
gardener's lodge. In 
the distance S. is the 
new hospital, a com- 
modious brick struc- 
tui-e, and the build- 
ings close by arc used 
by the farmer. The 
Home was tirst open- 
ed in 1851, and has 
The soldiers keep the 
The Home was the 




soldiers' home, main building. 



accommodations for 400 inmates. 

roads in order and perform police duty. 

favorite summer residence of Presidents Pierce, Buchanan, 

and Lincoln. 

On the brow of the hill, |^ m.W. of S. of the main building, 
raised on a granite pedestal, and facing tlie Capital, stands 
a statue of General Wiiifield Scott^ at the time of his conquest 
of jSIexico. by Laimt Thompson, 1873, bronze, 10 ft. high, 
cast by R. Woods & Co., Pliiladelpliia, Penna. Cost $18,000. 
Erected in 1874 by the Home. Through General Scott the 
Home was founded. From the site may be had an excellent 
view. 

In 1851 Congress appropriated out of the TreasurySli8,79i, the balance of 9joo,- 
000 pillage money levied on the city of Mexico by General VVinfielJ Scott, to go to 
the founding of a Military Asylum or Saldiers' Home. This fund was increased by 
forfeitures, stoppages, and fines against soldiers, and a tax of 25 now 12 cts. a month 
on each private soldier of the regular army. The Home was for the benefit of the 
regulars and volunteers who served in Mexico, and now is for the privates of the 
regular army, they alone contributing for its support. Pensioners surrender their 
pensions while at the Home. 

Grave of Major Peter Charles L'Enfant, the designer of tlio 
plan of Washington, at Green Hili, the country seat of 
George W. Riggs, on the early manor of Chillam Castle, 
now Prince George's county, Maryland, is about 7 m. NE. 
of Washington. The grave is in the garden, the burial ground 
of the Digges family, the previous proprietors. The latter 
have been removed. The grave is without a marked stone. 



224 ROCK-CREEK CHURCH. 

MSjor L'Eiifant was born in France about 1755. He was a 
subordinate officer in the French service. In 1778 he was 
made a captain of euoineers in tlie Continental army. His 
gallantry and ability, displayed e&p,acially at Savannah, at- 
tracted the attention of Washington. In 1783 lie was pro- 
moted to major. In Marcli, 179l", he was ordered to George- 
town to join Mr. Ellicott, the chief surveyor, with instruct Ions 
"to draw tlie site of the federal town and buildings." i^Tot 
sliaring in the practical views of the commissioners, wiio 
desired copies of his plan for circulation, as an inducement 
to purchasers of lots, a controversy sprung up, which was 
aggravated by some high-handed measures, chiefly an attempt 
to demolish the residence of Mr. Carroll, one of the commis- 
sioners, which interfered with the execution of his plan on 
the ground. These resulted in his dismissal, after a brief 
service of one year. In 1794 he was employed on Fort Mif- 
flin, below Philadelphia. It is said he was otlered, in 1812, 
a professorship of engineers at West Point. The last days 
of his life were spent around Washington. He found a home 
on the farm of Mr. Digges, and died in the siunmer of 1825, 
at the advanced age of 70 years. His remains still moulder 
beneath the sod where the kind hand of charity laid them. 

Eock-Oreek Ohuroh and Gemeteij,— {Church services, Epis- 
cojjal., ever}/ Sabbath at 11 a. m., and Cemetery ojjen every day, 
except Sunday.) — The cemetery lies contiguous to the Sol- 
diers' Home on the jS"., and is easy of access from the horse 
cars on the 7th-st. road. It comprises about one-half of the 
glebe, 100 a., the gift of Jolui Bradford, about 1719. The 
"church, which lies'on the W., properly St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church, Rock-creek Parish, was erected in 1719, rebuilt in 
1775, and i-emodeled in 18G8. The bricks were imported from 
England. The main walls are the same as erected in 1719. 
The bible used is an Oxford edition of 1727. Immediately 
around the church are a number of old graves, marked by 
rude stones, and over them stands a venerable oak, the out- 
spreading branches of which cover an area of 126 ft. in diam- 
eter. The oldest monuments are E. of the cliurch, of the 
Grampliin family, 1775. In this cemetery is the grave of Pe- 
ter Force, with a flue monument. 

National Military Cemetery, {open from sunrise to su7iset,) 
lies N. of and adjoins the Soldiers' Home, and E. of Rock- 
Creek Cemetery. It was established in 18G1, and contains 
5,424 interments : known 5145, unknown 279, and Confeder- 
ates 271. There are a fine keeper's lodge and conservatory. 
Adjoining, oh the N., is the Cemetery of the Soldiers' Home. 



BLADENSBURG. 225 

Glenwood Cemetery, {open every day, except Sunday^) 1^ 
m. N. of the Capitol, is situated at the head of Lincohi av., 
and may be reached from the Columbia st.-railway at N". Capi- 
tol St., distance 1 m., or from the Soldiers' Home 1^ m. The 
cemetery was incorporated in 1854, and contains 90 a. The 
grounds are beautifully laid out in drives and walks. The 
public vault is a fine structure. Joseph Harbaugli,a descend- 
ant of contractor eiliployed by the city commissioners, 1792, 
and Amos Kendall, Postmaster General 1835 '40, are buried 
here. Outside tlie gateway are Prospect Hill Cemetery, 17 a., 
incorporated in 1860, and St. Mary''s (Roman Catholic Church) 
Burying Ground^ 3 a. 

Bladensburg, a post-village of Prince George's co., Md., 
lies 6 m. XE. of Washington, on the Baltimore railroad and 
on the Baltimore turnpike. The Anacostia flows by the vil- 
lage. It was founded about 1750, and named after Martin 
Blanden, one of the T.ords' Commissioners of Trade and 
Plantations. Before the Revolution it was a place of some 
commercial and agricultural importance. In those days the 
Anacostia admitted of successful navigation to the town. 
Over the stream was the bridge, and W. the field of the dis- 
astrous battle of August 24, 1814, wiiich opened Washington 
to the enemy, and gave the name of Bladensburg a place in 
history. On the hill stood the artillery, and on the open 
ground was the spot bravely defended by Commodore Bar- 
ney and his gallant soldiers and marines. 

About 1 m. from the village, on the turnpike on the 1., 
crossing a small stream and ravine, and enclosed by two hills, 
that on the E. concealing it from the turnpike, is a secluded 
spot, rendered notorious as the "duelling ground." The 
District line runs through the valley, thus enabling i:>arties 
from the District and Virginia to pass into Maryland. The 
most painful of all duels fought here was that between Com- 
modores Decatur, the hero of the Algerine war, and Barron, 
in 1820. "I hope," said Barron, ''that we shall be better 
friends in the next world than in this." "Sir," said Deca- 
tur, coolly, "I have never been your enemy." When both 
were writhing in agony, Barron gasped, "Would to God I 
had known this yesterday." Decatur's wound was mortal. 
Many other duels were fought here, but not of late years. 
The duel between Henry Clay and John Randolph of Roan- 
oke, in 1826, took place on the Virginia shore of the Potomac 
fiver, near Washington. 

Near Bladensburg, a short distance from the turnpike, 
stood the family mansion of George Calvert^ tlie lineal des- 
cendant of the Baron of Baltimore. 
15 



226 DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. 

Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and National 
Deaf- Mute College, {open every day^ except Sunday^) NE. of 
the cit.y, entrance to grounds at N. end of 7th st. E., is con- 
veniently accessible from the Columbia liorse railroad. The 
grounds of the institution comprise the estate known as "Ken- 
dall Green," previously the property and home of Anios Ken- 
dall, Postmaster General of the United States 1835-'40. The 
tirst portion occupied comprised but a few acres and a small 
building, presented to the institution by Mr. Kendall. Sub- 
sequentlj^ 25 acres were purchased, and in 1872 the entire 
estate of 100 acres. The grounds and buildings were vested 
in tlie United States as trustee. 

The institution was incorpoi-ated in the year 1857, and has 
since been sustained by Congress as the institution where 
Government beneficiaries, viz,' deaf-mute children of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, and of the army and navy, should receive 
free education. A collegiate department w\n,s organized in 
1864 by Congress, and is named the National Deaf-Mute Col- 
lege. Both are open to both sexes. 

The main central building, dedicated in 1871, was the gift 
of the Government. It is a fine specimen of the pointed 
Gothic architecture of the 14th century. It is 216 by 76 ft., 
and is faced on all sides with Connecticut brown-stone, in- 
terspersed vrith courses of white Ohio sandstone, and cov- 
ered with roofs of red and blue slate, laid in patterns and 
courses. 

The main entrance is under a recessed porch, formed by 
three pointed arches of alternate brown and white sandstone 
blocks, supported by double sets of dwarf columns of highly 
polished Scotch granite, with brown-stone bases and carved 
white sandstone capitals. This porch is paved with white 
and black marble tiles, and surmounted by an angular pedi- 
ment containing a carved half-relief figure of the Ameri- 
can eagle, with the stars and stripes on the shield over its 
breast.' 

From this porch leads a small vestibule at either end into 
the main hall, or cliapel, a room 56 ft. square and 38 ft. high, 
with a paneled ceiling of light and dark colored wood, with 
massive brackets, cornice, and panel mouldings, the walls be- 
ing frescoed in delicate tints in plain panels. The walls, to 
about 8 ft. from the floor, are protected by a paneled wain- 
scot, painted in strong party colors, with the pulpit, platform, 
and front, and foldiiig-doors to match. The room is lighted 
by ten large stained-glass windows. 

Adjoining on the E., and separated from the chapel by 
eight sliding doors 15 ft. high and 27 ft. wide, is the lecture 
room. Over the sliding doors is a solid white sandstone arch 



MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY. -i'-^7 

of 27 ft. span, sprino-ino- from light stone columns with carved 
capitals. The lectiff-e room is about 30 by 40 ft. in size, with 
a raised floor. 

The remainder of the E . wing on this floor is occupied by 
a large dining-hall, or refectory, for the pupils of the primary 
department, with its corridors and stairs ; and with kitchens, 
bakery, and store-rooms in the basement below, and large 
dormitories in the attic above. 

The W. wing contains a large dining-hall for the students 
of the college, witli its pantries and store-rooms. In the hall 
of this wing a stairway aftbrds access to the tower. In the 
basement under this wing is an extensive laundry, steam- 
drying rooms, and store-rooms, while the basement under 
the chapel contains the fuel and boiler rooms. 

In the chapel is a flue plaster cast of Abbe de I'Epee, taken 
from his tomb in the old church of Saint Roch, Paris ; also 
one of Abbe Sicard. The former, about the year 1760, de- 
veloped and applied the system of communication for deaf 
mutes by means of natural signs. Abbe Sicard subsequently 
perfected the system. There is also a portrait of the Rev. 
Thomas H. Gallaudet, formerly principal of the American 
Asylum at Hartford, Connecticut. That gentleman was sent 
abroad to acquire the system of instruction by natural signs. 
He chose the French system, now in use by the Institution 
and College, and also generally througliout the United States. 
The E. building is occupied by the primary department, 
and contains several school rooms, chapel, library, reception 
parlor, private rooms of instructoi-s, and dormitory for boys, 
and another in a remote part of the building for girls. The 
W. building is used by the College. In the rear and W. of 
the main central building is the flnished wing of a dormitory 
for College students. The value of the property is $350,000. 

Mount Olivet Cemetery {open every day) lies on the 1. of 
the Columbia turnpilce, ^ m. N. of the E. terminus of the 
Columbia liorse railway. It comprises 70 a. It was incor- 
porated in 1862, in the names of the parish priests of the 
four Roman Cathol ic churches of Washington . The grounds 
are well laid out, and shaded with oak and evergreens. 
Father Matthews, one of the earliest priests who arrived in 
the city after its occupation by the Government, is buried 
here, also Lieut. Col. Garesche, A. A. G. to General Rose- 
cranz, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 ; Mrs. Surratt, executed 
.for complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln ; and 
Wirz, the keeper of the Andersonville prison pen for na- 
tional soldiers during the rebellion, 1861-'65, and executed 
in Washington at its close. The entrance to the cemetery 



228 GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 

is at the SE. corner on the Columbia turnpike, where there 
is a neat superintendent's residence. 

Graceland Cemetery {open from sunrise to sunset) is situated 
immediately outside the E. limits of the city, at the terminus 
of the Columbia horse imilway. The cemetery was opened 
in 1872, and comprises about 40 a. 

Eeform School of the District of Columbia occupies a com- 
manding site on the S. side of the Washington and Baltimore 
tmuipike, 2 m. fi'om the E. terminus of the Columbia Viorse 
railway. The school, which is for boys only, was established 
by Congress in 186G, and is under the supervision of the 
Department of Justice. It was first located on the Govern- 
ment farm, on the Acxueduct road, 4 m. above Georgetown, 
but owing to the unhealthiness of that section was, in 1871, 
removed to its present situation. The farm comprises 150 a. 
The buildings stand on Lincoln's Hill, so-called from the 
fort of that name in the defenses of Washington during the 
rebellion, and which crowned the hill. They are 230 ft. 
above the Anacostia, which runs in the rear, and command 
a view of four railroads, portions of Washington, the National 
Insane Asylum, the Soldiers' Home, Bladensburg, the Mary- 
land State Agricultural School, and a vast sweep of country 
into Maryland and Virginia'. 

The main building is occupied by the superintendent, 
boys' dining room, chapel, library, and reflecting room. The 
reception room for strangers is on the 1. of the main entrance. 
On either side of the main building are two detached wings, 
occupied by the assistants, and as school and dormitories. 
The boys divide tlieir time in the school and shops. The 
boys are kept till reformed or their majority. The buildings 
and grounds will be greatly improved. 

Zoological Society Avas incorporated in 1870, with author4ty 
to import animals free of duty, and granting the free use of 
water from the Aqueduct. Tlie site secm-ed for the purpose 
comprises 20 a., lies about \ m. SE. of the E. terminus of 
the Columbia liorse railway^ and extends to the Anacostia. 
On the ground is Gibson's spring, whicli will be converted 
into fish ponds. During the rebellion, 1861-'65, a "pipe from 
this spring supplied the cavalry and infantry camps estab- 
lished in tlie adjacent valley and on the neighboring liills. 

Government Hospital for the Insane, {visiting days, Wednes- 
days, from 2 to 6 p. m.) This institution, on the S. bank of 



ALEXANDRIA. 229 

the Anacostia, is accessible from the Navy-yard terminus of 
the Pennsylvania a v. street cars, across the bridge at the fuot 
of 11th St. E., and by the high road ascending the hill towards 
the r., which passes the gale. The village at the S. end of 
the bridge is known as Unioniown. The distance from the 
horse cars to the Asylum is about 2 m. The institution is 
for the use of the army and navy and District of Columbia, 
and embraces indigent and independent patients. The gen- 
eral supervision is under the Secretary of the Interior, and 
it is supported by the National Government. The home 
tract, 185 a., is inclosed by a "wall 9 ft. high. Subsequent 
additions, however, have increased the estate to 419 a., which 
is cultivated for the benefit of the institution, and which fur- 
nishes occupation for many of the patients. The commodious 
structure is of brick, occupies the crest of the range of hills 
overlooking the mouth of the Anacostia, and consists of a 
centre, with connecting ranges and receding wings, with 
buttresses, iron window hoods, and an embattled parapet. 
The centre is four stories, and the Avings three and four 
stories. The building is 750 ft. long. There are accommo- 
dations for 550 patients, though the number generally ex- 
ceeds 600. The W. wing is devoted to males and the E. to 
females. The centre contains the residence of the superin- 
tendent and staff officers, dispensary, and cliapel. There 
are six billiard tables for patients. In the basement are the 
kitchen, store-rooms, &c. There are two buildings in the 
rear for colored patients; also gas works, machine shops, 
barn, and stables. The institution was opened in 1855. 
Prior to that time the insane under the care of the Govern- 
ment were sent to Baltimore. 

Alexandria. — This city, originally called Bellhaven, stands 
in Virginia, on the r. bank of the Potomac river, at the con- 
fluence of that stream and Hunting Creek, 7 m. S. of Wash- 
ington. The boats of the Washington and Alexandria ferry, 
from the foot of 7th street W., reached by liorse cars, run 
every liour from 6 a. m. to 7 p. m., on Sunday from 9 a. m. 
Single fare 15 cts.. round trip 25 cts. The steam cars leave 
at the same intervals from 6 a. m. to 8 p. m. from the depot 
on 6th St., S. of Pennsylvania av. The city is picturesquely 
situated on the side of a range of low hills, and is surrounded 
by a fertile and Avell-cultivated countrj^ The town was 
founded in 1748. In 1755 five colonial governors met here in 
connection with Braddock's expedition, which started here. 
In the earl}^ colonial days it was the rival of Baltimore in 
commerce, but superior advantages and other facilities at- 
tractive of trade soon advanced the metropolis of Maryland 



230 ALEXANDRIA. 

bej^ond the successful rivalry of the quaiat Virginia town on 
the Potomac. 

During the Revolution it was a point of gi-eat strategic im- 
portance. The British General Gage, in 1776, from Pitts- 
burg, in co-operation with Earl Dunmore's fleet from the 
sea, planned an attack on the town, designing, by holding 
this position, to cut oft' communication between the X. and 
S. armies. The expedition, however, was not carried out. 
Washington always took a great interest in the welfare of 
the place. Among other evidences of this affection he be- 
queathed £1,000 for the beneflt of a free school here. 

During the invasion of the British, on Aug. 28, 1814, after 
Fort Warburton, (Washington,) below, had been blown up 
and abandoned without firing a gun, the town surrendered to 
the British squadron. Five clays after the enemy's vessels 
left with 16,000 bbls. of flour, 1,000 hhds. of tobacco, and 
other property, including 3 ships and some river craft. 

The city and count}'' were included in tlie original survey 
of the District of Columbia, but in 1846, with all that part 
on the W. side of the Potomac, was retroceded to Virginia. 

About 1 m. SE. of the city, on the point of a small pen- 
insula formed by the junction of Hunting creek and the 
Potomac, is the initial point oi the original boundaries of the 
District of Columbia. 

In the court of the Mansion House, on Fairfax st., is an old 
structure known as WashingtorVs Headquarters^ having been 
occupied, it is said, by the General when in Alexandria. At 
the intersection of Washington and Cameron sts. is Christ 
Episcopal Church, commenced in 1765 and finished in 1773, 
built of bricks imported from England. The interior has 
been renovated of late years ; though some of the wood-work 
about the chancel is old. The principal interest is associated 
with the fact that Washington was a member of the vestry of 
this church. His pew was No. 59, on the 1. of the 1. aisle. A 
little back is pew No. 46, used by Robert E. Lee, General of 
the Confederate forces, who came here from Arlington to 
worship. Marble tablets on the 1. and r. of the chancel have 
been placed in the walls to their memory. In the church- 
yard the oldest tombstone is 1771. The city hall, market- 
house, and masonic hall occupy a fine building. Near the 
city is a National Cemetery, which contains the reniains of 
3,635 soldiers of the rebellion. 

A branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal connects the 
city with Georgetown. The river in front is 1 m. wide. The 
shipping of the place amounts to about 182 vessels; sail, 
steam, and unrigged, 8,210 tons. The principal exports are 
tobacco, corn, and coal. It also has railroad communication 



MOUNT VERNON. 



231 



with the N. and S. A new line, to connect witli tlie Balti- 
more and Ohio Railroad at Bladensbnrg, is now being built, 
and will cross the Potomac at this point. The population is 



Mount Vemon, steamer daily, except Sunday, at 10 a. m., 
from the foot of 7th st. W., reached 
hy horse-cars, fare $1.50 round trip, 
to include admission to the grounds. 
Distance, 15 m. Return 4 p. m. 

Leaving the wharf, the boat runs 
close to the shore, and along the 
Arsenal grounds, at the foot of 
which the Anacostia enters the Po- 
tomac. Tlie village on the r. is 
Uniontown, and on the hill is the 
^National Insane Asjdum. On the 
1. is the Navy Yard. On the S. 
point of the river is Giesboro'. Dur- 
ing the rebellion a large number of 
cavalry horses were kept here for 
the supply of the army. During a 
stampede on one occasion over 1000 
were drowned in the river. The 
steamer now directs her course to- 
wards Alexandria, G m. below. Af- 
ter leaving Alexandria, the steamer 
passes Jones's point on the r. A 
lighthouse stands on the point at 
the location of the initial stone of the 
THE MANSION. bouudarics of the District, planted 

in 1791. The lines extend NE. and NW. Hunting creek 
here enters the Potomac. The steamer next touches at 
Fort Foote, an earthwork on the Maryland shore. Broad 
creek enters below. The next landing is at Fort Washington, 
on the same side. This is an old work, mounting guns in 
casemate and barbette. On the high ground opposite the 
first view of the home of Washington may be had. The 
road from the wharf leads to the vault within which is the 
marble sarcophagus containing the remains of General George 
Washington. By the side is another with the simple inscrip- 
tion, Martha, the consort of Washington, who died May 21, 
1801, aged 71 years. The obelisk oii the r. approaching is to 
Bushrod Washington, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 
of the United States, a nephew of General Washington, and 
to whom Mount Vernon was bequeathed, died 1829. That 
on the 1. is to John Augustine Washington, to whom Mount 




232 



MOUNT VERNON. 



Vernon was bequeathed by Judge Bushrod Washington, died 
1832. The path to the r. leads towards the mansion. On 
the 1. is the vault in which the remains of Washington were 
first placed. 

The Ma7isionivo\it% jSTW., the rear looking toward the river. 
It is of wood, cut in imitation of stone, and 96 ft. m length, 
surmounted by a cupola. The centre was built by Lawrence 
Washington, brother to the General ; the wings were added 
by the Grcneral. It is named after Admiral Yernon, in whose 
expedition Lawrence Washington served. The house and 
grounds, 6 a., as far as practicable, are as left by Washing- 
ton. 

The Mount Vernon Ladies'' Association of the Union, incor- 
porated in 1856, piu-chased the mansion and contiguous 
grounds. In the hall is the key to 
the Bastile, presented to Washing- 
ton by Lafayette after the destruc- 
tion of tliat French prison, 1789. 
In the E. parlor are intei-esting 
relics of Washington — a dress, 
sword, spy-glass, water buckets, 
tripod. In the dining hall are 
portraits of Wasliington in 1786, a 
copy from Trumbull, and a copy 
from Stuart, 1795. The mantel 
was carved in Italy and presented. 
In this room is the great painting 
of Wasliington before Yorktown, by 
Rembrandt Peale. He is repre- 
sented as accompanied by Generals 
Lafayette, Hamilton, Knox, Lin- 
coln, and Rochambeau, and giving 
orders to commence tlie entrench- 
ments before Yorktown . In the 
W. parlor is an old painting repre- 
senting the attack on Carthagena, 
Admiral Yernon commanding, 
1741, and Washington's holsters 
and camp equipage, also a globe. 
GRAVE OF WASHINGTON. Jq tlic sccoiicl stor)/, at thc head of 
the stairs, is Lafaijette^s room. The room 'in which Wash- 
ington died, December 14, 1799, is at the S. end of the build- 
ing on this floor. It is a small apartment. The bed is that 
on which he rested. There is a fine view of the surround- 
ing country from the cupola. On the r. of the mansion 
facing the lawn are the servants' hall, gardener's lodge, a 
diodern building, and the spinning and weaving house.' On 




DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 233 

the same side is the garden laid out by "Washington. On the 
N. side are conservatories which replaced the old ones con- 
sumed by fire. The ruins of the old servants' quarters are 
near by. On the opposite side of the lawn are the family 
kitchen, butler's house, smoke house, and laundry, and in 
the rear of all the stables. On the lawn are several ash and 
and a magnolia tree i^lanted by Washington. 

Defenses of Washington. — The inauguration of actual hos- 
tilities by the bombardment of Fort Sumter, April 12, 13, 
1861, warned the National Government of the necessity of 
measures of protection. One of the first thoughts was the 
security of the Nation's Capital. Tlie hastily-improvised first 
defensive preparations, after some squeamish hesitation about 
invading a State, were seconded by occupying the S. shore of 
the Potomac, and holding tlie debouches into Virginia. This 
was necessitated by the proximity of Arlington Heights, from 
whicli the enemy's artillery could shell the city. On the night 
of May 23, 1861, the army, in three columns, crossed the 
Potomac, one, under Major Wood, by the Georgetown Aque- 
duct; another, under Major (General) Heintzelman, by the 
Long Bridge; and the tliird, under Colonel Ellsworth, by 
water to Alexandria. Fort Corcoran, a tete-de-pont, was 
commenced before daylight, and, with its auxiliary works, 
Forts Bennett and Haggerty and rifle trenches, around the 
head of the Aqueduct, Forts Runyon, on the lowland — a tete- 
de-pont — and Albany, on Arlington Heights, covering our 
debouches from the Long Bridge, and Fort Ellsworth, on 
Shuter's Hill, back of Alexandria, formed the basis of the 
line S. of the Potomac. By the time of the advance of 
McDowell's armj^, seven weeks, these works were nearly 
completed. 

The Bull Run disaster made it apparent that a protracted 
war was inevitable. The Heights of Arlington were effect- 
ively fortified by intermediate works, and, with Fort Run- 
yon, formed a "coi«-ow??e," covering the bridge and heights. 
These works were preliminary and auxiliary to that line of 
impregnable fortifications which later encircled the Capital. 
The system of A'sorks, constituting and appropriatelj' desig- 
nated the Defenses of Washington, were divided into four 
gi'oups. 1. Those S. of the Potomac, commencing with Fort 
Lyon, below Alexandria, and terminating with Fort De- 
Kalb, (Strong,) opposite Georgetown. 2. Those of the Chain 
Bridge. 3. Those N. of the Potomac, between that river 
and the Anacostia, commencing with Fort Sumner and ter- 
minating with Fort Lincoln. 4. Those S. of the Anacostia^ 
■commencing with Fort Mahan and terminating with Fort 



234 DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 

Greble, nearly opposite Alexandria. The perimeter, from 
Fon Lyon to Fort Greble, was 33 m., and, including the in- 
terval across the Potomac, between Greble and Lyon, a total 
of 37 m. At the close of hostilities, in April, 1865, the De- 
fenses consisted of 68 inclosed forts and batteries and em- 
placements, for 1,120 guns, 807 of which, and 98 mortars, 
were actually mounted : 93 unarmed batteries for field guns, 
having 401 emplacements, and 20 m. of rifle-trenches, and 3 
bloclv houses. There were also 32 m. of speciallj'^-constructed 
military roads. 

Ill 1864 tlie garrisons S. of the Potomac consisted of one 
division, under General DeKussy, four brigades, under 
Colonels Tidball, Tannatt, Abbott, and Schirmer — 11,011 
men ; H*^. of the Potomac, one division, under Lieutenant 
Colonel Haskin, aid-de-camp, with three brigades, under 
Colonels Morris, Gibson, and Pipci- — 18,863 men. To pre- 
vent a sudden dash, the minor roads were obstructed by 
abattis and stockades. The fords of the Potomac above and 
the S. front were piclieted with cavalry. An infantry divis- 
ion lay towards Bull Pun, and infantry pickets were stationed 
on the X. f i-ont. A provost guard of 1,776 men, under General 
Martindale, were on duty in Washington, and 1,090 men, 
under General Slough, in Alexandria. At the artillerj^ depot 
at Camp Barry were 2,000 men and 17 batteries. 

The garrisons varied in numbers, yet the over-sensitiveness 
of the Government, respecting the safetj^ of the Capital, con- 
stanth'^ required the presence of a large force. The exigen- 
cies of the service in the field, however, on several occasions 
necessitated a reduction. 

The efforts of Gen. Grant, in 1864, to overwhelm Lee had 
caused the withdrawal of the well-trained artillerists, and 
their places were filled by new levies. As an oflset to the 
vigorous movements of the Army of the Potomac, Earlj^ 
made his demonstration upon Washington. A brisk engage- 
ment took place at Rockville, 16 m. from Washington. On 
July 11, M'ith 20,000 men, he appeared before Fort Stevens, 
on the 7th-st. road. The pickets retired, and the guns of 
Fort Stevens, Slocum, and DeRussy opened and checked the 
enemy, who retired the following night. 

The ruins of the now dismantled and deserted Defenses of 
Washington may yet be seen on almost every eminence in 
the vicinity of the city. During their use thej' accomplished 
an important work. They saved the nation from further ca- 
lamities after Bull Run, when the enemy was in sight on 
Munson Hill, and from attack after the failures of McClel- 
lan's campaign against Richmond, and the retreat of Pope, 
in 1862. It is to be hoped the hand of fratricidal strife may 
never again revive the sad work. 



SECTION YI. 

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON, 




I HE first attempt to explore the Chesapeake and 
its tributaries was made in 1608, by Captain John 
Smitli, from the Jamestown settlement. He left an 
interesting narrative of his discoveries. He speaks 
of the "Patawomeke " as G or 7 m. in breadth, and 
navigable 149 m. The Indian name was Cohongu- 
roton, or river of swans. The shores of the great bay and 
river had a large aboriginal population, not less than forty 
tribes, members of the numerous and warlike Algonquin 
family, who lived by fishing, the cultivation of maize, and 
warring upon their neighbors. The point of tlie tongue of 
land now occupied by tlie Arsenal was the seat of the council 
fire. The Manalioacks occupied the lands between the rivers, 
but about 1669, after a severe war with the Powhatans, were 
overcome, and fled to the West, where thej^ joined the Tus- 
caroras. 

In 1634. Henry Fleet, with sc party of Calvert's settlers, vis- 
ited the falls of the Potomac/ In 1683, a tract of land 400 a., 
called Koom, (Rome,) was laid out for Francis Pope, gentle- 
man, on the east side of tlie Anacostian river, and to the 
mouth of the Tiber. Another tract, of 500 a., for Captain 
Robert Troop, called Scotland Yard, was laid out adjoining 
on the same date. The lands of the western portion of the 
city, called "The Widow's Mite," 600 a., were laid out in 
1681 for William Langworth. All were in Charles county, 
province of Maryland. 

In 1790-'91, Daniel Carroll owned the lands on the Ana- 
costia, ISTotley Young, in the forks of the river and to the 
northward, and David Burns on the west, towards George- 
town. On the bank of the river, east of the Observatory, 
was a settlement called Hambiirg, previously Fimkstown. 
On the Anacostia, a short distance above the Arsenal, was 
Carrollsbarg. The arable lands were tilled, and produced 
wheat, tobacco, and maize. 

On April 30, 1783, nineteen days after the proclamation of 
(235) 



236 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

a cessation of hostilities between the late British Colonies in 
North America and the mother country, the subject of a per- 
manent capital for the general government of the United 
States of America was incidentally alluded to in Congress. 
In March, 1783, the legislature of Ifew York offered to cede 
the town of Kingston as a place of permanent meeting. 
Shortly after, Maryland tendered Annapolis for the same 
purpose; also $180,000 if selected. 

A proposition by a prominent gentleman was the location 
of the capital, for a term of thirteen years, at some of the 
growing western settlements, such as Detroit, Louisville, 
Kaskaskia, St. Vincent's, and Sandusky; stating that ''an 
amazing value would be added to that important territory ; " 
that it would ""accelerate the rapidity of its settlement and 
population," and at about twelve cents an acre would extin- 
guish the national debt ; that Congress should assume plen- 
ary jurisdiction over a compass of twenty miles square ; should 
form a government "on the most perfect plan of modern re- 
finement ; " in place of certificates, should award the lands in 
the vicinity "to those brave officers and men who served in 
the late glorious war." These, Spartan-like, it was expected, 
would form "an impregnable bulwark against the natives," 
or any other dangers. Williamsburg, the old capital of Vir- 
ginia, was oftered at the same time. 

On October 6, 1783, Congress voted upon the selection of 
a State, as they existed at that time, beginning witli New 
Hampshire, and proceeding in order southward. New Jersey 
and Maryland received the highest number of votes, but no 
choice was made. The next day, on a resolution by Eldridge 
Gerry, the location of the "Federal City " Avas voted on or 
near the falls of the Delaware, near Trenton, and a commit- 
tee of five was appointed to examine the locality and report. 
On October 21 following, the erection of buildings was author- 
ized at or near the lower falls of the Potomac or Georgetown, 
and a committee was appointed to examine and report on that 
site. Two localities were now provided for, and meanwhile 
Congress was to meet alternately at Trenton and iVnnapolis. 

The inconvenience of two capitals was soon demonstrated. 
The Delaware committee reported favorably, and that for the 
Potomac unfavorably on that location, though they thought 
better of a site above Georgetown, or 1| m. below, at Funks- 
town. On December 20, 1784, it was decided inexpedient to 
erect buildings at more than one place. On December 23 
three commissioners were appointed to lay out a district of 
not less than two nor more than 3 m. square, on either side 
of the Delaware, within 8 m. above or below the falls. 

Commissioners. — 1791-'94, Thomas Johnson, Md.; 1791-'95, 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON. 237 

Daniel Carroll, Md. ; 1791-94, David Stuart, Va. ; 1794-1800^ 
Gastaviis Scott, Md. ; 1794-1802, William Tiioriiton, Penn. ;. 
1795-1802, Alexander White, Md. ; 1800, William Cranch, 
Md. : 1800-1802, Tristram Dalton, Md. 

The Constitution of the United States, 1787, gave Congress 
the power "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases Avhat- 
soever over sucli district, not exceeding 10 m. square, as may, 
by cession of particular States and the acceptance of Con- 
gress, become the seat of tlie Government of the United 
States." * * * (Art. I, Sec. 8.) 

The first session of Congress of the United States of Amer- 
ica, assembled under the Constitution, was called upon to 
enter into tliis question, confronted by a stronger evidence of 
sectional spirit than had hitherto been exhibited. Resolutions 
from the legislatures of States, besides numerous petitions, 
and memorials, were presented, urging certain localities, and 
frequently offering great inducements. Districts of 10 m. 
square, with the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction, were 
offered to Congress for the seat of Government by acts of the 
General Assemblies of Maryland in December, 1788, Penn- 
sylvania in September, 1789, and Virginia in December, 1789. 
As an additional inducement, Virginia offered $120,000, and 
Maryland $72,000. Pennsylvania, in her grant, excepted 
Philadelphia, the district of Southwark, and part of the 
Northern Liberties. Petitions were also received from the 
inhabitants of Trenton, in New Jersey ; Lancaster, Wright's 
Ferry, York, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Reading, and German- 
town, in Pennsylvania, and Baltimore and Georgetown, in 
Maryland. All expressed tlieir willingness to come under the 
aegis of Congress and tlie Constitution, and pictured in glow- 
ing colors the advantages of climate and scenery, and conve- 
niences of access which their respective localities possessed.^ 
The newspapers of the day frequentlj^ took a humorous view 
of this patriotic competition, and in prose and verse gave vent 
to considerable good-natured sentiment. 

In the second session the Capital question was again agi- 
tated, and Baltimore, Wilmington, the Delaware, German- 
town, between the Potomac and the Susquehanna, Avere all 
urged ; but the act establishing the temporary Seat of Govern- 
ment at Philadelphia, from the first Monday in December, 
1790, and the permanent on the river Potomac, between the 
mouths of the Eastern Branch (Anacostia) and Conogo- 
cheague, a tributary of the upper Potomac, to be ready for 
the sessions of Congi-ess by the first Monday in December, 
1800, was finally passed, and approved bj'' Washington July 
16, 1790. In the Senate it received 14 yeas and 12 nays, and 
in the House 32 yeas and 29 nays. The immediate settle- 



238 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

ment was effected as a compromise with the advocates of a 
fiscal measure knoAvn as the assHmption of the State debts. 
The majorit}^ of the votes of the Middle States going- with 
the South, gave the majority for the Potomac. 

The Legislature of Virginia, in December, 1790, appropri- 
ated the $120,000 previously offered, payable in three annual 
installments. In December, 1791, the Legislature of Mary- 
land gave an order for the payment of the $72,000 donated 
by that State. The December before, the same Legislature 
passed an act for providing for tlie condemnation of land, if 
necessary, for the public buildings. On Januar}^ 22, 1791, 
the first commissioners, three in number, were appointed to 
superintend tlie affairs of the city . On January 24 tlie Presi- 
dent issued a proclamation directing the commissioners to lay 
down the four experimental lines of boundary, as follows : 

First, by running a line from the court-house of Alexan- 
dria, in Virginia, due SW. J m., and thence a due SE. coin-se 
till it struclf Hunting Oreelc. This was to be tlie initial 
point, from which the first line was to run due NW. 10 m. ; 
the second into Maryland due NE. 10 m. ; the third due SE. 
10 m. ; and the fourth due SW. 10 m. to the beginnhig, on 
Hunting Creek. These were approved by Congress. Tlie 
original act required the location of the District above the 
mouth of the Eastern Branch or Anacostia river. To con- 
form the law to the experimental lines, an amendatory act, 
approved March 3, 1791, repealed the conflicting portion of 
the act of Jul}^ 16, 1790, but required the public buildings to 
be erected on the Maryland side of the Potomac. After the 
completion of the necessary legislation on the subject, Presi- 
dent Washington set out on a visit to the Potomac. He 
arrived March 28, 1791, and put up at Suter's tavern, a one- 
story frame structure, the favorite resort of travelers arriving 
at Georgetown. On March 29, in company with the three 
commissioners and the surveyors, Andrew EUicott and Major 
Peter Charles L'Eiifant, he rode over the ground. The same 
night a meeting was held for the purpose of eftecting a re- 
conciliation with the property owners. There were some 
who desired to derive all the advantages offered by the pro- 
posed city without making a reasonable concession to its 
success. The counsel of Washington had its effect. The 
general terms agreed upon were signed by nineteen of the 
original proprietors. The President issued a proclamation, 
dated March 30, 1791, at Ceorgetown, which defined the lines 
of the Federal territory accepted by Congress, and ordered 
the commissioners to proceed forthwith to have the lines 
permanently marked. 

The President now left for a brief visit to his home at 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 



239 



Mount Vernon; tlience he proceeded to Richmond, Va., to 
consult with Gov. Beverly Randolpli respecting the payment of 
the 8120,000 appropriated by the Commonwealth of Virginia 
towards tlie building of the Capital. On April 13 he wrote, 
informing the cominissioners that the Governor was willing 
to advance the money at earlier periods than agreed upon. 
On April 12 the commissioners held their first regular meet- 
ing at Georgetown. On April 15 the initial or corner-stone 
of the lines of the Federal territory was formally planted in 
the presence of the three commissioners, Andrew EUicott, 
the survej'or, and the Masons and many citizens of Alexan- 
dria. James Muir, the pastor of that Episcopal parish, deliv- 
ered a sermon. On June 29 a final settlement was ellected, 
by which the lands ceded to the Government were conveyed 
in trust to Tliomas Beall, of George, and .John M. Gantt, of 
Marjdand, or their heirs, for the United States. The streets, 
squares, parcels, and lots were to be laid out, and conveyed 
bj'^ the trustees to tlie United States ; the residue of the land 
w^as to be divided equally. For their share the United States 
were to pay £25, or ^QQ 66f an a. The streets and squares 
went to tlie Government free. There were other stipulations 
respecting sales of lands and payment of indebtedness to the 
proprietors. They were also ]:»ermitted to occupy the lands 
till required for public use. Owing to a disagreement, the 
streets and reservations were never conveyed to the commis- 
sioners. The law ofiicer of the Government and the Supreme 
Court of the United States, however, have decided that the 
United States have absolute control over them notwithstand- 
ing. An act of Maryland, Dec. 19, 1791, ratified the cession 
of its portion of the Federal territory, and designated certain 
powers and duties of the commissioners, who were also au- 
thorized to take possession, in the same proportion as agreed 
with the others, of lots in Ilambui-g and Carrollsburg. ' The 
inhabitants of Georgetown, who so' requested, were to be in- 
cluded, provided thoy conformed to the general terms of 
the agreement, which they declined. 

The laying out of the cit}^ according to the plans prepared 
by L'Enfant, which were approved by Washington in Aug., 
1791, was carried out under tlie direction of Andrew E 11 icott, 
a native of Bucks county, Penn., a gentleman of fine attain- 
ments, and who had executed a number of important sur- 
veys. He was born in 1754, and died at West Point in 1820. 

The first step was the establishment of the "meridian 
line" through the site of the Capitol, and the E. and W. in- 
tersecting line, which were to form the basis of the execution 
of the entire plan. At a meeting of the commissioners on 
Sept. 8, 1791, C/Crtain regulations were prescribed in regard 



240 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

to the erection of private buildings, and the present names of 
the city and District and designation of tlie streets were 
adopted. Tlie first public sale of lots, of which the Govern- 
ment had 10,136, took place at Georgetown on Oct. 17, 1791. 
A large number of purchasers were present from all parts of 
the country, and the piices paid ranged from $26 66 to $306 59, 
During the summer and autumn of 1791 the commissioners 
also made preparations for the commencement of work early 
in the following spring. Contracts for building material and 
food were awarded, and a freestone quarry on Higgington's 
island, 40 m. below the city, was purchased. 

The President's House was the first of the public buildings 
commenced. An historical sketch of each of the public 
buildings will be found, with their description, in the HAND- 
BOOK. 

The building of the city, as might be expected, attracted a 
number of that class of persons who, though poor in means, 
were still rich in schemes, x4.mong the earliest was one 
Samuel Blodgett, who appeared on the scene as an applicant for 
permission to build an entire street, which was gi-anted. After 
considerable planning and negotiating, the enterprise was 
abandoned, the commissioners having no funds to spare, and 
Blodgett's being all in anticipation.' Undaunted, however, 
the same person undertook tlie erection of a great hotel, the 
funds for which were to be raised by lottery, the hotel being 
the first prize. The building was partly erected, and was 
drawn by a person without means to complete it. It re- 
mained unfinished till purchased, years after, by the Govern- 
ment for the Post and Patent Offices. 

In 1793, the commissioners entered into an agreement 
with Kobert Morris and James Greenleaf for the sale of 6,000 
lots, at $80 a lot, payable in seven annual installments, with- 
out interest, they obliging themselves to erect, in 1794, and 
annually for six years, twenty brick houses, two stories high. 
The above two and John l^icholson bound themselves to ful- 
fill the contract. The parties failed to comply with any por- 
tion of the contract, which led to the serious embarrassment 
of the commissioners. 

One of the great obstacles in the way of the commission- 
ers in the beginning was the scarcit}^ of skilled workmen. 
Agents were sent to the northern cities, and some importa- 
tions were made from abroad. The slaves from the adjacent 
plantations were almost exclusively employed as laborers. 

In 1796, Congress authorized the commissioners, under 
the direction of the President, to borrow $300,000, and, at 
the same time, assumed a supervision of the afi'airs of the 
city, requiring the commissioners to report their operations 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 241 

semi-annually to the Secretary of the Treasury. Meeting 
with no success in negotiating their loan in Holland, whence 
the first application of the commissioners was made, the As- 
sembly of Marjiand came to their rescue bv granting them 
a loan of $100,000. 

The election of John Adams at first excited some solicitude 
on the part of the friends of the Federal city, in consident- 
tion of tlie opposition to the selection of the Potomac site 
shown by the JSTew England States in the discussion and vote 
in Congress in 1790. The President, however, gave assur- 
ance of a determination to carrj^ out the views of liis prede- 
cessor. 

In 1799, after a long discussion, Congress voted another 
$100,000 to the commissioners, which amount was also ad- 
vanced by the State of IMaryland. The next year $50,000 
was obtained from the same source, on the personal security 
of the commissioners. 

In Februarj^ 1800, tliey executed the papers necessary to 
the security of all the loans or advances to the city, both 
fi-om the State of Maryland and the National Government, 
amounting to $300,000,' exclusive of the last loan of $50,000. 
For that purpose thej'^ pledged all the property in the city 
sold or contracted for before that time, and upon which pay- 
ments had not been made. The land acquired or purchased 
for the United States and j^et unsold, exclusive of lots for- 
feited for non-payment of purchase money and then liable to 
be sold, amounted to 4,682 lots and 2,043 ft. frontage on 
navigable water, valued at $884,750. Tlie debt was $144,125, 
and contracted for on tlie credit of the above funds of $360,- 
881. The N. wing of the Capitol, the President's House, 
and War and Treasury OfRces, tlie iirst commenced in 1797, 
were ready for occupation. A number of dwellings had 
been erected by private parties in the vicinity of the Capitol, 
President's House, and Greenleaf's Point. Pennsylvania 
av., the thoroughfare from the Capitol to the President's 
House, was ditched. Other avenues and streets connecting 
the widely-scattei-ed parts of the city were also opened. The 
reservations around the Capitol and President's House were 
planted. A turnpike was also opened to Baltimore. Suita- 
ble provisions having been made by act of Congress dated 
April 24, ^800, the archives of the Government were con- 
veyed to Washington. The Executive and offices were 
transferred at the same time. On November 21 Congress 
commenced its sessions in the N. wing of the Capitol. Con- 
gress assumed jurisdiction over the District of Columbia in 
1801, and declared that the laws of Virginia and Maryland 
1« 



242 HTSTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

Bhould continue respectively in force in the portions of the 
District ceded by tliose States. 

In 1802 the Board of Commissioners was abolished and 
succeeded by a superintendent, Thomas Munroe, "who was re- 
quired to settle up all accounts, and to sell a sufficient number 
of the lots pledged for tlie repayment of the loan of $200,000 
from tlie State of Maryland, so as to meet all obligations of 
hiterest and installments. In event of an unwarrantable sac- 
rifice of the property to meet tliese demands, the sale was to 
cease, and the balance was to be paid out of the Ti-easury of 
the United States. Lots not paid for were also to be sold to 
meet tlie loan of $50,000 from tlie State of Maryland, or, if 
not sufficient, the residue was to be paid out of the Treasury. 

Mayors of ^r«57im/7fo«.— 1802, Kobert Brent ; 1812, Daniel 
Rapine ; 1813, James II. Blake ; 1817, Benjamin G. Orr ; 1819, 
Samuel M. Smallwood; 1822, T. Carberry; 1824, Roger C. 
Weightman; 1827, Joseph Gales, jr.; 1830, John P. Van 
Ness ; 1834, W. A. Bradley; 1836, Peter Force ; 1840, W. W. 
Seaton ; 1850, Walter Lenox ; 1852, John W. Maury ; 1854, 
John T. Towers; 1856, W. B. MagTuder; 1858, J. G. Ber- 
rett ; 1862, Richard Wallach ; 1868, S. J. Bo wen ; 1870, M. G. 
Emery. 

Governors of the District of Columbia. — 1871, Henry D. 
Cooke ; 1873, A. R. Shepherd. 

On May 3, 1802, the municipal government was created by 
Congress, to consist of a mayor and council. Congress re- 
served supreme jurisdiction. The affiih-s of the county, and 
the construction of roads outside the city, were intrusted to 
a board known as the levy court. On Feb. 21, 1871, the ter- 
ritorial form of government was substituted. 

The most important event in the history of the Capital 
since its foundation was the occupation by the British. The 
President (IMadison) and the Cal)inet, over-confident of the 
safety of the Capital, or the indisposition of the Bi-itish, who 
controlled the Chesapeake, to attack, had neglected to make 
suitable provisions for defense. As a consequence, about 
3,500 raw militia, hastily concentrated and badly handled, 
were suddenly called upon to confront the enemy, 4,000 
strong, at Bladensburg, 5 m. from the Capital, on August 
24, 1814. Commodore Barney, with a few hundred sailors 
and marines, and BealFs Maryland militia, made a stubborn 
resistance on the turnpike, but, unsupported by the rest of 
the troops, who had fled almost without a fight, fell back to 
the Capital, proposing to defend that point. From here he 
was ordered to retire and take position behind Georgetown, 
leaving the city entirely defenseless. The American troops 



HISTORY OP WASHINGTON. 243 

retreated towards Montgomery Court House, having beer 
preceded b}'- the President and Cabinet and other prominent 
officers of the Government. The total force of Americans 
available was 7,000 men, but tlirough mismanagement, the 
incapacity of Gen. Winder, tlie commander, and the inter- 
ference of the President and Cabinet, especially the Secretary 
of War, not more than half that number reached the field, 
and even then were outnumbered five to one on the points of 
attack. The whole British force which landed on the Pau- 
tuxent numbered 5,123 men, of which 4,500 men took part 
in the fight . The American loss was 26 killed and 51 wounded, 
and the British 150 killed and 300 wounded. 

At 8 p. m. on the day of the battle tlie enemy bivouacked 
on Capitol Hill. The Capitol, Library of Congress, Presi- 
dent's House, Arsenal, Treasury and War otiices. Long 
Bridge, and office of the National Intelligencer newspaper, 
were burned tiie same night, also some private buildings. 
The Navy Yard and frigate Columbia, on the stocks, and 
Argus, five barges, and two gunboats were destroyed by 
order of the Secretary of the Navy. The explosion of pow- 
der in a well at tlie arsenal killed 15 and wounded 30 of the 
British. 

On the evening of August 25 the British evacuated tlie 
Capital. To use the words of one of the British officers, the 
retreat "was as cautious and stealthy and precipitate as was 
natural for a retreating army under such circumstances." 
On the retreat many died of fatigue or were taken prisoners 
by the cavalry harassing the rear. Nearly 200 of the dead 
left by the enemy were buried by the citizens. It was esti- 
mated that his aggregate loss was not less than 1,000 men. 

The enemy reached Benedict on the evening of August 29, 
and re-embarked the next day. 

The sight of the Capital in flames had aroused the inhab- 
itants of the surrounding country, who were being rallied by 
the Secretary of State, Mr. Monroe. It was resolved to cut 
off" the enemy's retreat to his ships. His haste, however, 
fi'ustrated these patriotic proceedings. 

When the question of the restoration of the public build- 
ings was under discussion, a long and bitter delDate ensued, 
evincing not only a strong disposition to abandon the city, 
but a dangerous sectional feeling. For a time the most seri- 
ous consequences were threatened. Calmer counsels, how- 
ever, prevailed, and an appropriation of $500,000 was made 
for the repair or re-erection of the buildings on their old 
sites. The estimated loss was $1,000,000. 

In 1846 that portion of the District lying on the west bank 
of the Potomac was retroceded to Virginia. In 1850 the sale 



244 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

of slaves was prohibited, and on April 16, 1862, slavery was 
abolished in the District. 

During the rebellion, 1861-65, the Capital had every ap- 
pearance of a vast fortress. It was the base of operations of 
mighty armies, called ont for the defense of the Constitution 
and tlie Union. On the surrounding hills were military 
camps ; in the city were liospitals and stores ; and the ave- 
nues and streets were the daily scene of moving troops and 
trains. 

The infusion of a new element into the popidation of the 
Capital was one of tlie important results of the rebellion of 
1861-'65. It was not, however, till a decade later that a sysr- 
tem of improvements on a grand scale were commenced. In 
that time the number of the inhabitants increased nearly 
fifty thousand. Congress, in the meantime, had dispossessed 
itself of the idea that a National Capital was a political conve- 
nience, instead of necessity. The ideas of Wasliington, Jeffer- 
son, and L'Enfant, after a sleep of more than three quarters 
of a century, are being realized. The grand avenues, broad 
streets, and beautiful parks are in keeping with the magni^ 
ficence of the Capitol and tlie imposing proportions of the 
structures occupied by the various Executive Departments 
of the Grovernment. Elegant residences, fine churches, 
commodious school-houses, and many public and private 
institutions have been erected. It must be admitted that the 
Capital is no longer a reflection upon the taste, culture, and 
liberality of the nation, and tlie least inviting of American 
cities. At the same i-ate of improvement, in ten years the 
Capital of the United States will be one of the most beauti- 
ful in the world. These gratifying results are unquestion- 
ably due to the interest and zeal of President Grant, and to 
the energy and courage of Governor Shepherd. 



INDEX. 



Adams, John, painting of, 123. 

Admiral's Office, 140. 

Agriculture, Department of, 156; 

Grounds, 156 ; Plan t Houses, 156 ; 

Building, 157; Museum, 159; 

History of, 161. 

District of Columbia, 11. 

Committe on, 114. 

Museum of, 150. 

Alexandria, 228; History of, 229; 

Washington's Headqu'rs, 229; 
Christ Church, 229; National 
Cemetery, 229. 

- Canal, 214, 229. 
Allegory, Brumidi's. 76. 
Altitude, mean, Washington, 15. 
Amusements, general, xiv. 
Anaeostia river, 15, 49. 

Channel, 49. 

Analostan Island, 214. 

Antiquities, European, 191. 

Aqueduct, 217; Distances, 217; Dis- 
tributing Reservoir, 217; Re- 
ceiving, 217; Cabin John Bridge, 
218; Falls of the Potomac, 218. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Bridge, 53, 214. 

Architects of the Capitol, 114. 
Area of Washington, 3. 
Arlington House, 215; National Cem- 
etery, 215; Custis's Spring, 216. 

Armory, 196. 

Square, 38. 

Army, Headquarters of, 1.36. 

Army Medical Museum, 167. 

Arsenal, 172. 

Art, Corcoran Gallery of, 191. 

Associate Justice?^ list of, 89. 

Asylums— Naval Hospital, 202; Sol- 
diers' and Sailors' Orphans' 
Home, 202; Columbia Hospital 
for Women, and Lying-in, 202; 
Washington, 202; Louise Home, 
203; Providence, General, 203; 
Washington City Orphan, 203; 
Children's Hospital, 204; St. 
John's Hospital, 204: St. Ann's 
Infant, 204; St. Joseph's Male 
Orphan, 204; St. Vincent's Fe- 



Asylums — 

male Orphan, 204; Epiphany 
Church Home, 204; Home for 
the aged, 205; Deaf and Dumb, 
225; Insane, 227. 

Attorneys General, list of, 155. 

Avenues, 24. 

Description of, 26. 

Improvement of, 25. 

Bache, A. D., grave of, 206. 
Baltimore and Potomac Bridge, 53. 
Baptism ofPocahontas, painting, 74. 
Basement, House of Reps., 113. 
N. wing, 104. 

Senate, 101. 

S. wing, 105. 

Battery and electric gas-Iightinj 

apparatus, 77- 
Battle Record room, 170. 
Benning's Bridge, 53. 
Benton, bust of, 97. 
Birds, 39. 
Bladensburg. 224; battle-field of, 

224; duelling ground at, 224; 

Calvert mansion, 224. 

Battle of, 241. 

Board of Public Works, 9, 207. 

Boarding, viii. 

Boone in conflict with the Indians, 
relievo, 70. 

Booth, assassin, 173. 

Botanical Garden, site, 41 ; Grounds, 
41; Conservatories, 42; Botani- 
cal class room, 42; Joint Com- 
mittee on the Library, 42 ; Botan- 
ical collection, 42; Centre Build- 
ing or Rotunda, 43; East range 
and wing, 43; West range and 
wing, 44; Superintendents, 45; 
History, 45. 

Botany, District of Columbi.<i, 12, 

Boundaries, District of Columbia, 6. 

Washington, 4. 

Boundary street, 30, 31. 

Bridges, 52; Long Bridge, 52; Navy 

Yard, 53; Benning's, 53; Balti- 
more and Potomac Railroad, 53; 
Aqueduct, 53; Chain, 53; Penn- 
sylvania av., (Rock creek,) 53, 



(245) 



246 



NDEX. 



Bridges— 

214; M-st., 53; P-st., 53; James 

creek canal, 53; Culverts, 63; 

Uniontown,53; Cabin John, 218; 

Mountain Spring. 218. 
Bronze door, main, 67. 

Senate, 00. 

Staircases. 94, lO'J. 

Brown. General, grave of, 20ti. 
Cabin Jolm Bridge, 218. 
Cabot, relievo of, 70. 

Canals, 50; Wasliington, 50; James 
creek, 50; Chesapeake and Ohio, 
2i:i ; Alexandria, 214, 229. 

Cannon captured, 172, 174. 

Capital, a virgin, 1 

Capitol. 50; Situation, 56; Street 
cars to, 57; Site of, 57: Ap- 
proaches, 57 ; Grounds, 58 ; Gen- 
eral exterior view of, 58; First 
terrace, 01 ; Fountain, 61 ; Sec- 
ond terrace, 01 ; General exte- 
rior description, 02; Dome, 63; 
Statue of Freedom, 04 ; Porticos, 
65 ; Statuary, 65, 00 ; Main Bronze 
door, 07 ; Rotunda, 09 ; Relievos, 
70; Historical paintings, 70; 
Canopy of Rotunda, 76; Ascent 
of the Dome, 77; Battery and 
electric gas-lighting apparatus, 
77; Panoramic view of Wash- 
ington, 77; Library of the United 
States, 79; North wimr, 87; N. 
or Senate Extension, 90; Stair- 
cases, 92, 94, 96; Galleries, 97; 
Senate Chamber, 99; Basement, 
100; Committee rooms, 101; 
Heating and ventilating, 103, 
114; N. wing basement, 104; 
Law Library, 104; Crypt, 104; 
Undercroft. 104; National tftat- 
uary Hall, 105; S. or House Ex- 
tension, 108; Staircases, ]0!»; 
Second floor, 112; Galleries, 112; 
House of Representatives, 112; 
Basement, 113; Com'tee rooms, 
114; Capitol police. 114; Archi- 
teots, 114; History, 114. 

Hili, 15,57. 

History of, 114. 

Selection of site of, 17. 

Street, E., N., S., 31. 

Cemeteries, Eastern and Western, 
(Holmead.) 205; Congressional. 
205; Arlington, (Military,) 210; 
Rock Creek, 223; Military, (Sol- 
diers' Home,) 223; Glenwood, 
224; Prospect Hill, 224; St. Ma- 
ry's. 224; Mt. Olivet. 226: Grace- 
land, 227; National, (Alexan 
dria,) 229. 

Ceremonies, xiv. 

Chain Rridcro, 53. 



Chapultcp.'c. storming of, painting, 

96. 
Chase, grave of, 212. 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, 213. 
Chief Justices, busts of, 87. 

list of, 89. 

Children.^' Hospital, 204. 

Chronicle, The, 200. 

Church. Christ, Alexandria, 229. 

Rock Creek, 223. 

Churches, list of, xiii. 

Washington, 197. 

Circles, Washington, 39; 14th street, 

39; 13th street, 39; P street, 39. 
City Hall, 171. 
City Spring, 198. 
Claims, U. S. court of, 89.' 
Clinton, George, statue of, 107. 

grave of, 205. 

Climate, District of Columbia, 13. 
College, Deaf Mute, 225. 

Georgetown, 213. 

Columbia Hospital for Women, 202. 

Institute, for the deaf and 

dumb, 225. 

Columbian University. 220. 

Columbus, relievo of, 70. 

Commissioners of Washington, 235. 

Committee Rooms — Senate — 101; 
Military Affairs, 102; Naval Af- 
fairs, 102; Indian, 102; Foreign 
Relations, 102; Judiciary, 102; 
Library. 102. 

House, 114; Agriculture, 114. 

Commerce, 50. 

Congress, 120. 

Continental, Presidents of, 11&. 

Continental, Sessions of, 119. 

History of, 118. 

Congressional Library, (see Library 
of the U.S..) 79. 

Connecticut av., 25-27. 

Conservatories, President's, 123. 

Constitution of the U. S., original, 
128. 

Ratification of, 119. 

Convent of the Visitation, 212. 

Copyrights, 86. 

Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189; Stat- 
uary. 191; Bronzes, 191; Anti- 
quities, 191 ;^Paintings, 191. 

Corcoran,- W. W., 192. 

Crawford, sculptor, bust of, 107. 

Crypt, the, 104. 

Culverts, 53. 

Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 225. 

DeafMute College, 2:i5. 

Declaration of Independence, 148. 

Signing of. painting, 71. 

Defenses of Washington, 232. 

Delaware av., 24. 28. 

Department of State, 123; Treasury,. 

131: War, 130; Navy, 140; Inte- 



INDEX. 



247 



Department of State— 

rior, 142; Post Office, 151; Jus- 
tice, 154; Agriculture, 156. 

Discoverj'^ of America, statue, 68. 

Discovery of the Mississippi River, 
painting, 75. 

Distances to (Jreat Falls Potomac, 
217. 

Tables of. xix, 3. 

Districtof Columbia— Geographical 
situation. 5; Boundaries, G, 237; 
Political Divisions, 7; Govern- 
ment, 7; Finances, 9; Popula- 
tion, 9; Statistics, miscellane- 
ous. 10; Vital Statistics, 10; In- 
dustry and Wealth, 10; Agri- 
culture. 11; Topography, 11; 
Geology, 11; Botany, 12; Zoolo- 
gy, 12; Ornithology. 12; Ichthy- 
ology. 13; Herpetology, 13; 
Climate, 13. 

Government, 207; Governor's 

Office, 207; Hall of the Legisla- 
lative Assembly, 207; Board of 
Public Works, 207; Fire De- 
partment, 207 ; Metropolitan 
Police, 208; 'Jail, 208. 

Document Libraries, 97. 112. 
Dome, Capitol, 63; Ascent of, 77. 
Door, Main, House extension, 109. 
Dowr, Lorenzo, grave of, 205. 
Downing, A. J., 39. 

Vase, 178. 

Drive, the. 29. 
Duddington Mansion, 210. 
Duelling Ground, 224. 
Easby's Point, 49. 
Education, Bureau of, 142. 
Electric gas-light apparatus, 77. 
Elevations, Washington, 16. 
Elevator. 95. 

Ellicott, Andrew, runs bounds, 6. 

marks the site of Capitol, 17. 

Embarkation of the Pilgrims, paint- 
ing, 75. 

Embellishments proposed, 17. 

Engineer's Otfice, 41. 

Environs of Washington — George- 
town, 211; Analostan Island, 
214; Arlington House and Na- 
tional Cemetery, 215; Foit 
Whipple, 216; Aqueduct and 
Falls of the Potomac, 217; Kal- 
oraraa, 220; Meridian Hill, 220; 
. Columbian University, 220; Way- 
land Seminary, 220; Howard 
University, 221; Soldiers' Home, 
221; Grave of L'Enfant, 222; 
Rock Creek Church and Ceme- 
tery, 223; National Cemetery, 
223; Glenwood Cemetery, 224; 
Bladensburg, 224; Columbia In- 
etitute for the Deaf and Dumb, 



Environs of Washington— 

and Deaf Mute College, 225; Mt. 
Olivet Cemetery, 226; Grace- 
land Cemetery, 227; Reform 
School, 227; Zoological Society, 
227; Government Hospital for 
the Insane, 227; Alexandria, 
228; Mount Vernon, 230; D^- 
fense.s of Washington, 232. 

Epiphany Church Home, 204. 

Etiquette, xiv. 

Executive av,, 28. 

Buildings, 56. 

Mansion (See Presidt's House,) 

121. 

01flces,124. 

the, 127. 

Extension of city, 52. 

House, Capitol, 108. 

Senate, 109. 

Farragut Square, 36. 

Statute of, proposed, 46. 

Fillmore, portrait of, 123. 
Finances, District of Columbia^ f . 

Washington, 4. 

Fire Department, 207. 
Flags, captured, 137. 
Folding Room, Senate, 101. 
Foote, Fort, 230. 
Foreign Capitals, 5. 
Formalities, xiv. 
Fountains, 48. 
Franklin School, 201. 

Square, 37. 

statue of, 92. 

Freedom, statue of, 64. 

Frescos— Rotunda, Canopy, 76; Sea- 
ate Reception Room, 93; Senat« 
Post Office, 93; Presid'ts Room, 
95; Senate Basement, 101; Ful- 
ton, 101; Committee Rooms, 
Senate, 101 ; Military Affairs, 102; 
Naval Affairs, 102; Indian, 102; 
Foreign Relations, 102; Judici- 
ary, 102; Library, 102; Wester* 
Staircase, House, 109; Hall of 
House, 113; Agricultural Com- 
mittee Room 114. 

Galleries, Senate, 97. 

— - House, 112. 

Gas, lighting the city, 45. 

General information, vii. 

Genius of America, statuary, 65. 

Geographical location, Wash'n, 2. 

situation, Dist. Columbia, 5. 

Geology, 11. 

Georgetown, 211; Oak Hill Ceme- 
tery, 211; High-service Reser- 
voir, 212; Conventof the Visita- 
tion, and Academy, 212; College, 
213; Chesapeake 'and Ohio Ca- 
nal, 213 ; A()ued't, 214; Wharves, 
214; Commerce, 214; Shad and 



248 



INDEX. 



Georgetown- 
Herring, 214; Rock C'k Bridge, 
214. 

Georgia av., 28. 

Gerry, El bridge, grave of, 205. 

Giesboro', 230. 

Glenwood Cemetery, 224. 

Government Dist. Columbia, 7, 207. 

Washington, 4. 

Seat of established, 120, 235, 236, 

237. 

spring, 221. 

Government Printing Office, 168; 
Public Printers, 1G9; History, 
109. 

Governor's Office, 207. 

Governors list of, 241. 

Graceland Cemetery, 227 

Green, General, statue of. 107. 

Halls— Masonic Temple, 198; Odd 
Fellows', 198; Lincoln, 199; Wii- 
lards', 199. 

Hamilton, statue of, 107. 

Hancock. John, statue of, 96. 

Harbor, improvement of, 51. 

Potomac river. 48; Harbor, 49; 

Potomac channel, 49; Anacostia 
channel, 49; of Georgetown, 49; 
Main channel, 49. 

Heating and Ventilating Senate, 
103; House, 114; 

Herpetology, 13. 

Historic Relics, 148, 187. 

Historical Paintings — Rotunda, 70; 
Declaration of Independence, 
71 ; Surrender of Burgoyne, 71 ; 
Surrender of Cornwallis. 72; 
Resignation of General Wasli- 
ington, 73; Baptism of Poca- 
hontas, 74; Discovery of the 
Mississippi River, 75; Landing 
of Columbus, 75; Embarkation 
of the Pilj^rims, 75. 

Historical Retrospect, 55. 

Holmead Cemetery, 205. 

Home for the Aged, 205. 

Home, Soldiers', 221. 

Hospitals, (see Asylums.) 202; 

Hotels, vii. 

Flouse of Representatives, 120; Hall 
of, 112; Speakers of, 121. 

Howard University, 2-'l. 

Htmter, John, portrait, 167. 

Hydrographic Office, 140. 

Ichthyology, 13. 

II Pensero.s'o, statue, 107. 

Indian Office, 142. 

Warrior, bronze, 109. 

Indiana av , 28. 

Initial stone of D. C, 229, 230. 

Insane Asylum, 227. 

Interior Department, 142; Bureaus. 
142; Secretary's Office, 142; In- 



Interior Department — 

dian Office, 142; Bureau of Ed- 
ucation, 142, Survey of the Ter- 
ritories, 144; Secretaries, 144; 
The Department, 145. (See Pat- 
ent Office.) 

Secretaries, list of, 144. 

Jackson, statue of, 34. 

Jail,20G. 

Jefferson School. 201. 

statues of, 109, 122. 

Jones' Point, 230. 

Judiciary, The, 89. 

Square, 37. 

Justice, Department of, 154; Attor- 
ney General's Office, 154; Por- 
traits, 155; Attorneys General, 
155; The Department, 155; Bu- 
reaus. 155. 

Justice and History, statuary, 91. 

K street, 31. 

Kalorama, 220. 

Kearney, General, statue of, 107. 

Kentucky av.,25.28. 

Kosciusko, bust of, 107. 

La Salle, relievo, 70. 

Ladies' Retiring Room, Senate, 99; 
House, 112. 

Lafayette Square. 34. 

portrait of, 113. 

Landing of Columbus, painting, 75. 

Landing of the Pilgrims, relievo, 70. 

Latitude, 2. 

liavv Library. 80 ; Description of, 104. 

Legislative Hall, 207. 

L'Enfant, Plan of Washington, 10; 
origin of plan, 19. 

- — grave of, 222. 

Librarians of the United States, 83. 

Libraries, United States, 79; Con- 
gressional, (see United States.) 
79; Smithsonian, 81 ; Force, 81; 
Jefferson, 84; Document. H. R., 
112; Odd Fellow.s', 109; Young 
Men's Christian Associat'n, 199; 
Georgetown College, 213. 

Library of the United States, 79; 
Library Halls, 70 ; proposed new 
building, 7!i; Volumes, 80; Com- 
parison of libraries, foreign and 
home, 80; Collection of books, 
80; Smithsonian Library, 81; 
Force Library, 81 ; Rules of, 82; 
Document Libraries. 82; View, 
83; Librarians, 83; History, 83; 
Jefferson Library, 84; Copy- 
rights, 80; Law Library, 86. 

Lincoln, painting of, 124. 

— ■ — Assassination of, 106. 

Bust of, 107. 

-^ — Square, 38. 

Statue of, 107. 

■ — proposed, 38. 



INDEX. 



:49- 



Lincoln llall, l!)i); Free Reading 
Room. 199; Library, 109. 

Livingston, Statue of, 107. 

Lobbies, Senate, 94; House, 109. 

Lodgings, vii. 

Long Bridge, 52. 

Longitude, 2. 

Louise Home, 203. 

Louisiana av., 28. 

Lovel, Surg. General, portrait, 1G7. 

M-street Bridge, 53. 

Mace, 109, 113. 

Macomb, General, grave of, 206. 

Mails, the, xii. 

Maine av., 28. 

Mall, the, 19. 

Magazines, 177. 

Marble room, 94. 

Marine barracks, 176, 

MaiCk^ts, 209; Centre, 209; Eastern, 
209; Western, 209; Northern, 
209. 

Maryland av., 25, 27. 

Masonic Temple, 198. 

Mason's Island, 214. 

Massachusetts av., 25, 27. 

Mayors of Washington, 241. 

Meridian, first U. S., 1G6. 

Hill, 220. 

Missouri av., 28. 

Monument, Washington Nat'l, 192. 
Morton, Dr., painting, 1C7. 
Mount Olivet Cemetery, 226. 
Mount Vernon, 2^30; the Vault, 230; 

the Mansiofi, 230; Ladies' As- 

ciation, 231. 

Place, 37. 

Mountain Spring Bridge, 218. 

Museum, Agricultural, 159; Army 
Menical, 107; Ordnance, 170; 
Naval, 174; National, 181; Cor- 
coran Gallery of Art, 191. 

Nautical Almanac, 141. 

Naval Hospital. 202. 

Observatory, 1G3; Site, 163; De- 
scription, 163 ; Instruments, 164 ; 
Superintendents, 104; History. 
1C5. 

Navy Department, 149; Secretary's 
office. 140; Admiral's office, 140; 
Hydrographic office, 140; Nau- 
tical Almanac. 141; Secretaries. 
141 ; the Department, 141. 

Secretaries, list of, 141. 

Yard. 174; captured cannon. 

174; Buildings. 174; Museum, 
174 ; History, 175. 

Bridge. 53. 

Neale. Archbishop, grave of, 212. 

New Hampshire av., 28. 

New Jersey av., 25. 28. 

New York av., 25, 27. 

Newspaper offices, 199; National 



Newspapir otfice.* — 

Republican. 200; Chronicle, 200 ;. 
Evening Star, 200. 

North Carolina av., 25, 28. 

Oak Hill Cemetery, 211. 

Observatory, Naval, 103. 

Octagon, The, 120, 140. 

Odd-Fellows' Hall, 198: Library, 199. 

Official Reporters' room, Senate,. 
92; House, 109. 

Ohio av., 23. 

Ordnance office, 170; Museum, 170. 

Ornamental gardening, 39. 

Ornithology, 12. 

P-street Bridge, 53. 

Paintings, Historical, Rotunda, 70; 
Perry's Victory on L. Erie, 92; 
Peale's Washington, 94; Storm- 
ing of Chepultepec, 90; Grand 
Canon of the Yellowstone, 107 
Gen. Scott, 109; Westward Hoi 
109; John Adams, 123; Van Bu 
ren, 123; Tyler, 123; Polk, 123 
Fillmore, 123; Pierce, 123 
Washington. 124; Lincoln, 124 
Portraits of Secretaries of War 
130 ; Portraits of Attorneys Gen 
eral, 155; Lovel, 107; Hunter. 
107 ; Morton, 167 ; Physic, 167 
Corcoran Gallery, 191; Wash 
ington before Yorktown, 231. 

Parking. 32. 

Parks, (see Reservations and Sq'rs.V 

Patent Office, 145; Description or, 
146; Model Rooms, 147; His- 
toric Relics, 148; Models, 149; 
History, 150. 

Peace, statue, 66. 

Penitentiary, 173. 

Pennsylvania av., 25, 26. 

Penn, W., conference with Indians,, 
relievo. 70. 

Perry's Victory on Lake Erie, paint- 
ing. 92. 

Physic, Dr., portrait, 167. 

Piei'ce, portrait, 123. 

Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

Plan of. Washington, 16; Origin of,- 
19; Execution of, 17. 

Plant Houses, 157. 

Pneumatic Tube, 103. 

Pocahontas saving life of Smith, re- 
lievo. 70. 

Police, Metropolitan, 208; Capitol, 
114. 

Political Divisions D. C, 7. 

Polk, portrait, 123. 

Population, District, 9. 

Washington, 4. 

Postage, rates of, xiii. 

Postmasters General, list of, 15^ 

Post Office, City, xii, 153. 

Senate, 93. 



250 



INDEX. 



Post Office, General, 151; Descrip- 
tion, 151; Postmaster General's 
Office, 153 ; City Post Office, 153 ; 
History of building, 153; Post- 
masters General, 154; The De- 
partment, 154. 

Potomac, Falls of, 217, 218. 

the drive to, 217. 

River, 48. 

Presidents, list of, 127. 
President's House, 121; Grounds, 

122; Conservatories, 123; Sla- 
bles, 123; Description, Exterior. 
123; Interior, 123; Historv, 125; 
Presidents, 127; The Execu- 
tive, 127. 

President's Room, Capitol, 95. 

Progress of Civilization, statuary, 66. 

Propogating Garden, 41. 

Prospect Hill Cemetery, 224. 

Providence General Hospital, 203. 

Public Printers, list of, 169. 

Quarters, .30, 32. 

Railroads, viii, 54. 

Raleigh, relievo, 70. 

Rates of Postage, xiii. 

Rawlins Square, 37. 

statue of, proposed, 46. 

Reading Room, Free, 199. 

Reception Room, Senate, 93. 

Refectory. Senate, 92; House, 113. 

Reform School, 227. 

Relievos— Fame and Peace, 66; Co- 
lumbus, Cabot, Raleigh, and La 
Salle, 70; Landing of the Pil- 
grims, 70; Pocahontas saving 
the life of Captain Smith, 70; 
William Penn in conference 
with the Indians, 70; Daniel 
Boone in conflict with the In- 
dians, 70 ; Allegories, in oil, 93 ; 
Fidelity, Steam, and Electri- 
city, 153. 

Reporters' Gallery, Senate, 99; 
House, 112. 

Reporters' Rooms, Senate, 97; 
House, 112. 

Represent.it ion in Congress, 120. 

Representatives, Hall of, 112; Old 
Hall, 105. 

Speakers of House of, 121. 

Republican, The, 200. 

Reservations, 21. 

Reservoir— see Aqueduct; 217. 

High Service, 212. 

Resignation of Washington, paint- 
ing, 73. 

Restaurants, viii. 

Retrospect, 20. 

Revolution, allegory, 76. 

Rhode IsWnd av., 28. 

Rock Creek, 15, 

Bridge, 53, 214. 



Rock Creek Church and Cemetery, 
223. 

Rotunda, 69 ; Statuary, 70 ; Relievos, 
70; Historical paintings, 70-75; 
Canopy, 76; Allegory, 76; As- 
cent of the Dome, 77. 

School, Reform, 227, 

-.^ — Franklin, 201 ; Seaton, 201 ; Wal- 
lach, 201; Jefferson, 201. 

Colored, 201; Sumner, 201. 

History of, 201. 

Scott Square, 35. 

Winfield, painting, 109. 

Statue of, 36. 

Seaton S^-liool, 201. 

Seminary, VVayland, 220. 

Senate^, 120. 

Chamber, 99. 

Presidents of, 120. 

Sergeant-at-Arms, Senate, Room of^ 
93 ; House, 109. 

Settlement of America, statue of, 66. 

Sewers, 32; Georgetown, 32; Slash 
Run, 32-34; Intermediate sec- 
tion, 33; B St. intercepting, 33; 
Tiber basin, 33. 

Sherman, Roger, statue of, 107. 

Signal Office, 137; Instrumeat 
room, 137. 

Sixteenth St., 31. 

Scott Statue, 36. 

Smithsonian Inst'n, 178; Grounds, 
178; Downing Vase, 178; De- 
scription of building, 179; Ob- 
jects, 180; National Museum, 181; 
Main Hall, 182 ; Gothic Hall, 183 ; 
West Hall, 184; South Vestibule, 
185: Ethnological Hall, 186; Sec- 
retaries, 187; History, 187. 

Soil, 16. 

Soldiers' Home, 221. 

Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, 
202. 

South Carolina av., 28. 

Speakers House Representatives, 
120- 

Gallery of, 109. 

Room, 109. 

Squares — Lafayette, 34; Scott, 35; 
Farragut, 36; Sixteenth street, 
(Scott Statue,) 36; Frankl-n, 37; 
Judiciary, 37 ; Rawl ins, 37 ; Mt. 
Vernon Place, 37 ; Circus lot,3S ; 
Armory, 38; Lincoln, 38; Stan- 
ton Place, .38. 

St. Ann's Infant Asylum, 204. 

St. John's Hospital, 204. 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, 
204, 

St. Vincent's Female Orphan A.«y- 
lum, 204, 

Stables, President's, 123. 

Staircases, Senate, E., 92; W., 96; 



INDEX. 



251 



staircases- 
private, 94; House, E., 103; W., 
109 ; private, 109. 

Stanton, grave of, 212. 

Stanton Place, 38. 

Star, The Evening, 200. 

State, Department of , 128 ; Archives, 
128; State, War, and Navy De- 

Eartment, 128; Secretaries, 129; 
iistory, 130; Bureaus, 130. 

Secretaries of, 129. 

State, War, and Navy Department, 
129. 

Statistics, District, 10; Vital, 10; In- 
dustry and Wealth, 10. 

Washington, 5. 

Statuary — Genius of America, G5; 
Discovery of America, 66 ; First 
Settlem't of America, 66; Peace, 
66 ; War, 66; Progress of Civili- 
zation in the United States, 66; 
Chief Justices, 87; Justice and 
History, 91; Franklin, 92; Han- 
cock, 96; Benton, 97; Gen. Green, 
107; Roger Williams, 107; Jona- 
than Trumbull, 107 ; Roger Sher- 
man, 107 ; George Clinton, 107; 
Edward Livingston, 107; Rich- 
ard Stockton, 107; General Kear- 
ney, 107; General Washington, 
107 ; Abraham Lincoln, 107 ; Kos- 
ciusko, 107; Crawford, the Sculp- 
tor, 107; Alexander Hamilton, 
107; Abraham Lincoln, 107; l\ 
Penseroso, 107; Jefferson, 109; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191. 

Statuary Hall, 105. 

Statues' 4G; Greenough's Washing- 
ington, 69 ; Jeflt'erson, 122; Jaclv- 
son, 34; Mills's Washington, 39 ; 
Scott, 36; Lincoln, propose!, 
38; Farragut, proposed, 36; Raw- 
lins, proposed, 37; Lincoln, 172. 

Steamers, ix. 

Stockton, statue of, 107. 

Street Cars, ix. 

Street Railways, 54. 

Streets, 30. 

renomenclature, 31. 

Sub-ba«ement, Senate, 103; House, 
114. 

Sumner School, 201. 

Superintendents Naval Observato- 
ry, 164. 

Supreme Court of the United States, 
87; Chamber, 87; Busts of Chief 
Justices, 87; Sessionsof, 88; the 
Chamber when occupied by the 
Senate, 88; Chief Justices, 89; 
Associates. 89; The Judiciary, 
89. 

Surratt, Mrs., grave of, 226. 

Surrender of Burgoyne, paint'g, 71. 



Surrender of Cornwallis, painting, 

72. 
Telegraph, 54. 

Offices, xiii. 

Official, Senate, 103; House, 109. 

Press, Senate, 99; House, 112». 

Tennessee av., 25, 28 
Territorial buildings, 207. 
Territories, Survey of the, 144. 
Theatres, xiv. 

Tiber, 16. 

Time, difference of, xix. 

Topography, District, 11. 

Washington, 15. 

Treasury Department, descriptiou, 
131 ; Secretary's room, 133; Cash 
room, 133; Vaults, 133; Count- 
ing ttie currency. 133; Bureaus, 
134; Photograph office, 1.34; 
Coast Survej^ 135; Secretaries, 
135; History, 135. 

Secretaries of the, 135. 

Triangles, 39. 

Trumbull, Jonathan, statue of, lOT. 

Tyler, John, portrait, 123. 

Undercroft, The, 104. 

University, Columbian, 220; How- 
ard, 221. 

Uniontown, 230. 

Van Buren, portrait of, 123. 

Van Ness mansion, 210; Ware- 
house, 210. 

Vault or Undercroft, 104. 

Senate, 103; House, 114. 

Vehicles for hire, xii. 
Vermont av., 25, 27. 
Vestibule, Senate, 91; House, 109. 
Vice Presidents U.S., list of, 120 
Vice President's room, 94. 

View, panoramic, of Washington, W. 

Views of Washington, 15. 

Virginia av., 28. 

Wallach School, 201. 

War Department, 136; Secretary** 
office, 136; Gallery of portraits, 
130; Headquarters of the Army, 
136; Flag room, 137; Signal 
office, 137; Instrument room, 
137; the service, 138; Secreta- 
ries, 139; the Department, 139. 

Secretaries of. gallery of, 13*. 

Secretaries of, list of, 138. 

Statue of, 66. 

Washington Asylum, 202. 

Defenses of, 232. 

Distances from, xix. 

Fort, 230. 

Washington city a virgin Capital, 1; 
Geographical location, 2; Se- 
lection of site, 2; Distances, 3; 
Area, 3; Government, 4; Finaa- 
ces,4; Population, 4; Statistics, 
5 ; Foreign Capitals, 5. 



252 



INDEX. 



Washington city, History of, 234; 

Commissioners, 235; Mayors, 

241 ; Governors, 241. 

Orphan Asylum, 203. 

Washington, Geo., portraits, Peale's, 

94; Vanderlyn,113; Sti^art,124; 

Peale, 183, 231. 
Washington, Geo., commission of, 

128. 
Washington, Geo., statue of, Green- 

ough, 59; Mills, 39; Houdon's 

copy of, 107; early statue pro- 
posed. 18. 

Tomb of, 230. 

Martha, grave of, 230. 

Washington National Monument, 

192; Grounds, 192; Design, 192; 

Description, 195; Lapidarium, 

196 ; History, 196. 
Water supply, 46; Early schemes, 



Water supply — 

47; Aqueduct, 217; Experimen- 
tal surveys, 218. 

Wayland Seminary, 220. 

Westward Ho, 109. 

Wharves, 50. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Whipple, Fort, 216. 

White House-see Prest's House, 121. 

Williams, Roger, statue of, 107. 

Winder's Building, 170. 

Wirt, Wm., residence of, 210; grave 
of, 206. 

Wirz, execution of, 173; grave of, 
226. 

Yellowstone, Grand CaSon of, painir 
ing, 107. 

Young Men's Christian Ass'n, 199. 

Zoological Society, 227. 

Zoology, District, 12. 



H! 100 89 i 



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